Work begins today on a new link road in the Carse of Gowrie.
Over the last 10 years residents and politicians have battled to have a level crossing on the Inchyra road removed, and they are finally seeing action.
The route linking Inchyra and St Madoes will be built to the south of the east coast railway mainline and will allow Network Rail to remove the existing level crossing.
It spells the end of a nine-year campaign by locals and politicians to have the crossing decommissioned. It was originally due to be removed in 2009 but was delayed by land ownership issues.
Network Rail’s route managing director for Scotland, David Simpson, said: ”Level crossing misuse is the single biggest external risk to rail safety and we are committed to removing level crossings from our network where possible.
”We are pleased to be working with the council to deliver this new road and the benefits it will bring for motorists and rail users.”
The scheme, which is being managed by Perth and Kinross Council on behalf of Network Rail, is due for completion by Christmas.
Construction will be supervised by consultants Atkins, who were also responsible for designing the new layout.
Civil engineering and building contractors RJ McLeod have been appointed to build the road.