Swinney's A9 pledge

Mar 17 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A FIRST sod was cut yesterday on a £2.7million road upgrade by a Perthshire village.

Scottish finance secretary John Swinney did the honours as work got underway to eradicate hazardous right turns on the frequently congested A9 at Bankfoot.

“This investment will make significant road safety improvements,” Mr Swinney told the PA.

“We are committed to investing progressively in the A9 on a continuing basis, leading to dualling between Perth and Inverness.

“This scheme will support at least 60 local jobs and provide a boost to the construction industry in these challenging economic times.”

To minimise the use of new materials and reduce carbon emissions, existing concrete layers are being used in the junction’s construction.

On average, around 16,000 vehicles pass Bankfoot daily and trunk road agencies Transport Scotland and Scotland TranServ insist steps have been taken to minimise motorist disruption.

Lane restrictions, reduced speed limits and traffic lights will be in place for 20 weeks.

“A great deal of effort has been made to consider the traffic management options, in order to minimise delays during these works,” said TranServ’s contract director Norrie Westbrook.

“We would advise road users to plan their journey in advance or consider alternative methods of transport during these works.”

Up-to-the-minute A9 travel reports are available at www.trafficscotland.org.uk