Details of a series of new crossings designed to improve safety on the A9 have been unveiled to the public.
The proposals, for the single carriageway stretch between Luncarty and the Pass of Birnam, are part of the Scottish Government’s dualling programme.
They include plans for a novel “green pathway” a wildlife-only lane on a new bridge that aims to protect animals and improve species diversity.
Over the next 11 years, the road between Perth and Inverness will be dualled in its entirety in a bid to improve travel times and address its appalling safety record.
The £3 billion scheme represents the largest infrastructure project in Scottish history and aims to alleviate the driver frustration that has for years resulted in a number of serious accidents.
New junctions, access roads, bridges and tracks will also be created as part of the scheme and, as was outlined at an exhibition at the Bankfoot Church Centre, on the stretch between Luncarty and the Pass of Birnam.
Located just north of Bankfoot, the new Gelly bridge will connect woodland on both sides of the carriageway.
Though its main use will be to allow estate staff to access the land when access directly on to the A9 is closed, it is also expected to attract and better protect species like pine martens, otters, deer and red squirrels.
Additional features, such as mammal tunnels and green verges will also be built into the scheme.
Speaking to interested parties at the exhibition was Transport Scotland’s Paul Reid, who is a project manager with the A9 dualling team.
He said the new bridge offered a real opportunity to protect wildlife, though he accepted there was the potential for animals making their way on to the A9.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust gave a cautious welcome to the creation of the bridge but said it would like to see more being built.