The incredible £118m project that will link two huge UK roads

This huge construction project is going to completely transform Scotland’s transport network by connecting two major roads in the country.

The Cross Tay Link Road, expected to cost £118 million, is Perth & Kinross Council’s biggest infrastructure project since the construction of Friarton Bridge nearly 50 years ago. 

The A9 and the A93, which is the UK’s highest road, will be connected to the town of Blairgowrie and the A94, north of Scone, all with the hopes of improving the level of congestion in the area. 

The plan consists of the construction of a six-kilometre stretch of new carriageway to link the roads as well as a brand-new 3-span bridge over Scotland’s largest river, Tay, which runs through Perth from the south-east.

Two kilometres of realigned dual carriageway will also be built just north of the Iveralmond Roundabout in Perth.

Perth & Kinross council aim to have the work completed by spring 2025 with hopes that it will reduce journey times and improve traffic flow and the local transport network, specifically in the Perth city centre, making it easier to get around. 

Cross Tay Link Road is part of a wider project called The Perth Transport Futures project, an upgrade programme aimed to improve the road network around the city.

In 2010, a study predicted that traffic increase would exceed the amount Perth could handle, and just last year, a whopping 1.56 billion vehicle miles were travelled on roads in Perth & Kinross.

The project will aim to tackle the city’s long-term transportation needs, promote economic growth and address issues of congestion and pollution within the city centre.

It also aims to encourage sustainable travel options by constructing a cycling path along the bridge carriageway.

Perth and Kinross Council leader Grant Laing said: “Active travel – the simple act of walking, wheeling or cycling – has many benefits, including improved health, safer communities, and reduced environmental impacts.” As plans for an “enhanced” active travel path network were also released as part of the Cross Tay Link Road

He added: “Now, with over 12km of new and improved paths it will be easier than ever before for local people and visitors to get out and enjoy our area.”