Defence Online

Plans to grow Scotland’s newest city have taken a significant step forward with the awarding of the contract to deliver the first phase of major new transport infrastructure to enable the expansion of Perth.The contract, valued at £35 million, has been awarded to Balfour Beatty to deliver a new A9/A85 junction and link road Springfield Properties‘ Bertha Park development to the west of the city.The scheme will employ around 100 people throughout its lifespan, including a number of apprenticeship and learning opportunities. It is the first phase of the Perth Transport Futures Project, the objectives of which are to improve air quality in the city centre, alleviate current and future traffic congestion, and provide essential roads infrastructure to support economic growth.A Meet the Buyer was held earlier this month to engage with local businesses interested in finding out more about how they can become involved in delivering the scheme.The Perth Transport Futures Project has four phases, and will ultimately include the development of the Cross Tay Link Road, which will further enhance the transport network in and around Perth.Phase 1 of the Project, which has been developed by the council’s roads infrastructure team and designed by consultants CH2M, includes:a grade separated interchange between the A9 and the A85a link road between the new interchange and the Bertha Park development sitetwo new roads connecting the A85 to the new interchangea roundabout on Ruthvenfield Roada bridge over the River Almonda footbridge over the A9 linking Tulloch to Inveralmond Industrial Estatea culvert for Perth Lade under the A9The works are due to begin in late September 2016, with completion expected in Spring 2019.