A massive investment in Perth’s roads infrastructure could pave the way for up to 5,000 new jobs in the city.
Councillors will be asked this week to approve borrowing of nearly £21 million to fund the plan which is seen as key to the future economic development of Perth.
The first phase of the Perth Transport Futures (PTF) project would see an upgraded A9/A85 junction providing better flow of both local and through traffic, and easier connections to Inveralmond.
A second major access to Inveralmond is also intended which would relieve pressure on the junction at peak times and reduce journey times on the local transport network.
The improved junction also allows for the expansion of Perth as envisaged in the proposed Local Development Plan.
It will create the potential for between 3,000 and 5,000 new jobs through the opening up of economic development land to the west and north west of the city.
Council leader Ian Miller outlined his support for the project, saying: “This will be the largest infrastructure project undertaken by the council since the Perth City flood defences were built.
“These infrastructure improvements are vital to the future of Perth, as well as wider Perth and Kinross, and we are fully committed to the project across its phases.
“The improved roads network will bring increased investment into Perth and allow sustainable development to the west and north west of the city. This is very important to the future development of our local economy. The project will also improve air quality in Perth and reduce congestion.”
Future phases of the PTF project will see a Cross Tay Link Road built to the north of Perth, and an A9 link to Berthapark.
The whole project will reduce congestion in Perth city centre, improve air quality and allow the sustainable growth of Perth, and the area as a whole.
Councillors will hear on Wednesday that dialogue has started with landowners to allow the council to secure the land necessary to start work on the phase one of PTF the A9/A85 junction upgrade and the link to Berthapark.
It is hoped that land acquisition can be agreed amicably, but the council will be asked to agree to progress Compulsory Purchase Orders should they be necessary.
The cost of phase one is estimated to be £23.5m, of which the council will have to fund £20.9m. Councillors will be asked to commit to funding phase one through prudential borrowing.
“We hope to move forward with Phase One as swiftly as we can now, and we are currently in the process of securing the necessary land,” said Mr Miller.
“We hope to have the upgraded A9/A85 junction and associated road improvements completed by 2018.
“This is a very ambitious and significant scheme that will require major investment by the council. The importance of this new infrastructure for the future of Perth and Kinross means that the work simply has to be carried out. Without these improvements Perth will be unable to develop as a city.”