The A9 will be closed for three nights next month as the final parts of a new roadbridge are swung into place.
Motorists are warned to expect lengthy delays and detours during the latest phase of the Scottish Government’s £3 billion operation to dual the entire Perth to Inverness route.
Transport Scotland plans to shut the A9 between the Luncarty and Dunkeld (A923) junctions from 8.30pm and 6am on Wednesday and Thursday, February 12 and 13.
If work is not finished, the stretch will shut again from 10pm to 6am the following night.
A spokesman said: “These overnight closures are required to install the final set of precast concrete bridge beams at the Gelly overbridge. The work will take place over the existing carriageway.”
He said: “The Gelly overbridge, north of Bankfoot, is the most northern structure on the Luncarty to Pass of Birnam project and will provide access to adjacent landowners and residents.
“The overbridge is also a ‘green bridge’ meaning it will accommodate movement of wildlife across the A9.”
Several “green bridges” have been built in other parts of Scotland, including the recently opened Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.
The work is weather dependent and may have to be abandoned in high winds.
During the three closures, traffic from both directions will be redirected along the A85 and the A923.
People living in Luncarty, Bankfoot and Stanley will still have access to their homes, via local roads, while access for emergency vehicles will be maintained throughout construction. Similar road closures took place last summer.
The Transport Scotland spokesman said: “We recognise that the A9 provides a vital link to and from Scotland’s Highlands and it is important to minimise disruption where possible.
“Our contractor Balfour Beatty will make the most of these overnight closures by completing several other tasks whilst the road is closed to traffic.”
These include a new temporary crossover south of the new Stanley/Tullybelton junction, and a ban on right turns from the northbound road into Strathford Station Road.
A diversion via Bankfoot will be in place until the new Luncarty link road becomes operational in Spring next year.
