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VIDEO: Travel Perth’s £150m Cross Tay Link Road in 3-minute drone flight

The Cross Tay Link Road is on course to open in spring 2025, and this drone footage shows what drivers can expect.

Cross Tay Link Road builders say they’re “confident” the new Perth bypass will be finished on time.

And this new drone footage might explain why they’re so certain about hitting that spring 2025 deadline.

It shows fully-formed off and on ramps connecting the A9 Perth-Dundee road to Destiny Bridge.

Finishing touches are being made to the new River Tay crossing.

And the road beyond looks for all the world like it’s ready for business as it skirts around the north of Perth and Scone.

Aerial view of Cross Tay Link road cutting through fields and forests north of Perth
These drone images show the Cross Tay Link Road taking shape. Image: Cross Tay Link Road Project.

This New Kingsway, to give the route its official name, will take traffic from the A9 to the A93 and A94 roads to Coupar Angus and Blairgowrie.

And it will sweep under the new green bridge, which opened at the start of December.

Grass covered bridge over new Cross Tay Link Road with Perthshire scenery beyond
The new green bridge connects Highfield Woods on either side of the road for people and wildlife. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson.

In addition to the drone footage, project leaders have shared the final items on their Cross Tay Link Road to-do list with The Courier.

A9 entry close to completion

They say the new A9 alignment is fully established and working well for drivers.

Additional works, such as bus-bays and footpaths, are also all complete.

And a new realigned cycleway opened to the public in November.

Aerial photo showing A9 road with new interchange that will take traffic over the Destiny Bridge across the River Tay
Drone images show the new routes off the A9 and onto the Cross Tay Link Road via Destiny Bridge. Image: Cross Tay Link Road Project.

Elsewhere, pavement works and landscaping are making good progress.

Destiny Bridge gets finishing touches

The main deck of Destiny Bridge was connected in September.

Since then, workers have completed the crossing’s waterproofing and protection layers.

Destiny Bridge from underneath beside River Tay
Destiny Bridge is the newest way to cross the Tay north of Perth Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

They have also finished installing the concrete slabs on the reinforced earth structure on the western approach.

And the remaining finishing works are said to be progressing well.

New Kingsway at snagging stage

Along the New Kingsway, crews have completed the surfacing on footpaths and carriageways, as well as snagging works on the drainage and ducting.

The remaining landscaping is well advanced and is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

‘Confidence’ in spring 2025 sign-off

Jillian Ferguson, Perth and Kinross Council’s roads and infrastructure manager, says teams have made steady progress along the route all year.

Jillian Ferguson, centre, with Derek Walsh, contracts manager for BAM UK & Ireland, and First Minister John Swinney MSP standing on one side of the bridge over the River Tay, with just a few metres gap between it and the other side
Jillian Ferguson, centre, with Derek Walsh, contracts manager for BAM UK & Ireland, and First Minister John Swinney MSP on a visit to Destiny Bridge in the autumn. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson.

“Alongside this, the Community Artwork trail has gained real momentum with two out of four artworks now in place,” she said.

“I am confident that we are currently on target for project completion in spring 2025, winter weather allowing.”

New route intended to ease pressure on Perth

The £150 million Cross Tay Link Road project is intended to speed up travel times and reduce congestion and air pollution in Perth.

It involves 6km of new road, largely paid for by Perth and Kinross Council with £40m from the Scottish Government.

Pupils walking across green bridge towards woman leaning against metal sculpture with tree growing out of it
Pupils from Robert Douglas Memorial Primary School pupils joined artist Louise McVey at the opening of the green bridge. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson.

It’s the biggest infrastructure project ever undertaken in Perth and Kinross.

The council is also introducing measures to reduce speed and improve road safety in nearby towns and villages.

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