Final preparations for Ryder Cup 2014 are in full swing, with the arrival of twin temporary footbridges the latest sign of progress.
They are being installed over the A9 at Gleneagles to enable the thousands of spectators arriving at Gleneagles Station to access the golf course.
The bridges will be positioned at the old train station access road, which is now closed following the opening of the new station link road.
Residents and politicians have called for the bridges to be converted into permanent fixtures to serve the community but it has been confirmed that they will be temporary.
Their installation and subsequent removal will require four overnight closures of the A9 in both directions.
The road will be closed between 7pm tonight and 6.30am on Friday and between the same times on September 13/14, October 4/5 and October 11/12.
Diversions will be provided between the Gleneagles and Auchterarder junctions of the A9 but, while access to the train station will be maintained, bus stops within the closures will not be operational on these four nights.
BEAR Scotland’s Andy Thompson said: “The 2014 Ryder Cup will see people travel from all over Scotland and beyond to experience one of the biggest golfing events on the sporting calendar.
“These works will ensure thousands of spectators can access the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles safely.
“The use of these temporary footbridges will reduce disruption to motorists and provide convenient access between the golf course and train station.”
Traffic planners are also installing 17 portable message signs at strategic locations around the site to ensure that golf fans heading to the Ryder Cup later this month don’t find themselves “bunkered” by congestion.
They will provide key directions and advance information that can be changed at short notice.
In addition, Ryder Cup Europe has announced that local ticket holders and those staying in local accommodation for the tournament will benefit from dedicated bus shuttles and designated car parks near to Gleneagles.
These services will be strictly reserved and proof of residency or accommodation will be required to gain access to them.
Following the closure of the ticket sales process, Ryder Cup Europe said it has now been possible to do a final analysis of the number of people staying in the area with tickets for the event.
As a result, it will be emailing relevant ticket holders directly to inform them of the transport options open to them, while Perth and Kinross Council will be writing to accommodation providers.
Specially designated car parks will include a small parking fee, which will be lower than the main Park and Ride stations, but will only be open to local residents.
Transport arrangements for local ticket holders will include:
* A regular shuttle bus service for local ticket holders in Auchterarder.
* The opportunity for ticket holders travelling from St Fillans, Comrie Crieff, Muthill, Braco and Greenloaning to purchase a car park pass for the dedicated local residents’ car park just north of Gleneagles, or to access a pre-booked bus service.
* Special passes to allow parking south of Gleneagles for ticket holders travelling from Glendevon, Blackford and Dunning.