A major operation is under way in a bid to secure sites for the £118 million Cross Tay Link Road.
Councillors have approved the use of compulsory purchase powers to buy up swathes of land for the long-awaited project, which will link the A9 at Luncarty with the A93 and A94 north of Scone.
Negotiations have been ongoing with landowners for two years. Perth and Kinross Council said it hoped to be able to take over land without resorting to compulsory purchase orders (CPO).
In a report to members, roads infrastructure manager Jillian Ferguson said: “Discussions with a view to purchasing the land by agreement have commenced with all landowners and tenants.
“However, given the extent of the scheme and the number of landowners affected it is proposed to promote a CPO in parallel.”
She said: “Scottish Government Guidance endorses this approach and negotiations with landowners and tenants will continue to ensure that all reasonable endeavours are made to purchase the land by agreement within a reasonable timescale.”
Any objections could lead to a public inquiry, councillors have been told.
However, if there is no opposition the project completion date could be brought forward from 2024 to 2023.
Conservative councillor Murray Lyle, council leader, said: “It is important to understand the extensive work that has been undertaken, and is continuing to be carried out, to secure the voluntary agreement of these affected landowners and tenants.”