A major road-building project which paves the way for the expansion of Perth is taking shape.
Construction work to create a new A9/A85 junction and link road to Bertha Park in the west is now well under way.
The scheme is the first phase of the Perth Transport Futures Project which aims to improve air quality in the city centre, alleviate current and future traffic congestion, and provide roads infrastructure to support economic growth.
When work started in November council leader, Councillor Ian Miller, described it as “an important milestone” in the economic and physical growth of the city.
“This is a hugely significant project, which will bring benefits for both local and through traffic, improve air quality in the city, and unlock land for business and housing development,” he said.
The Perth Transport Futures Project has four phases which will ultimately include the Cross Tay Link Road.
Phase one of the project includes a grade separated interchange between the A9 and the A85 and a link road from that to the Bertha Park development site and is due for completion in spring 2019.
This phase will also include two new roads connecting the A85 to the new interchange, a roundabout on Ruthvenfield Road, a bridge over the River Almond and a footbridge over the A9 linking Tulloch to Inveralmond Industrial Estate.
As part of the roads project some trees at Perth Crematorium will begin to be cut down from January 13.
The infrastructure work has already prompted a multi-million pound investment which could prove the catalyst in creating hundreds of jobs.
Entrepreneur Simon Howie, 49, recently revealed that he is investing £15 million in a major expansion of Inveralmond Trade Park.
He has acquired 17 acres for the third phase of the park which has been made possible by the creation of the new A9/A85 junction and link road.
