Construction crews working on a £35 million overhaul of Perth’s roads network have reached a major milestone.
The steel skeleton of a new bridge over the A9 dual carriageway has been swung into place.
It is a landmark moment in the Balfour Beatty project which will unlock new development land on the edge of the city, creating new businesses, homes and jobs as well as triggering an estimated £500 million boost to the local economy.
The team worked through the night on three consecutive evenings to lift the new crossing – made up of three 103 tonne beams – into place.
Work on the junction, as well as a new link road, got under way in March.
Balfour Beatty was awarded the Perth Transport Futures contract by Perth and Kinross Council.
The company said it was committed to making a “substantial contribution” to the local economy and, to date, has worked with more than 50 local suppliers and subcontractors.
The work has provided employment for 10 local residents, including four who were long-term unemployed.
All of the steel used in the project has been sourced from British manufacturers, with the majority from Scotland.
Regional managing director Hector Macaulay said: “We are delighted to have reached this key milestone on the Perth Transport Futures project, and in doing so, to have made a significant contribution to the local economy and community.
“We appreciate the patience of the travelling public during this phase of the works and look forward to seeing further visible changes taking place over the coming months, providing Perth and Kinross Council with the vital infrastructure to enable their exciting regional growth plans.”
Councillor Colin Stewart, who is convener of the environment, enterprise and infrastructure committee, added: “It is good to see that significant progress continues to be made with the A9/A85 junction improvements and the new link road to Bertha Park.
“Now that the steel bridge beams are in place, this project is really beginning to take shape.”
Springfield Properties has secured planning permission to transform the 822-acre Bertha Park site into a new village with 3,000 homes, retail, health services and a new secondary school.
There are also separate plans for 1,500 homes at Almond Valley.
