A scheme to improve Loaninghead Junction to accommodate traffic for new local housing developments at Auchterarder on the A9 is underway.

Cabinet Secretary John Swinney has cut the turf to mark the beginning of the £3m scheme that will see improved and safer access to the A9 from Auchterarder, and bring employment and housing opportunities to the area.

Cabinet Secretary John Swinney said: "The Scottish Government is committed to investing in improvements on the A9 and I am pleased to launch the start of this £3m scheme.

"This improvement project is set to benefit the A9 with a safer junction at Loaninghead, and will also provide access to new housing developments in Auchterarder and Gleneagles, bringing employment and additional new homes to the area.

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"These works further demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving the A9, investing progressively along the route, leading to dualling between Perth and Inverness."

The project will create a new roundabout to the south of the A9 overbridge at its junction with the A823, a new southbound slip road onto the A9 from the roundabout and allow the closure of the current slip road at Loaninghead.

In addition to improving safety and access at the Loaninghead junction, the scheme will also serve the proposed new housing development and the anticipated increase of traffic it will bring.

The Loaninghead junction was identified for improvement in Transport Scotland’s A9 Route Action Plan and also highlighted for upgrade within the Auchterarder Expansion Framework, which was created by housing developers in conjunction with Perth & Kinross Council and a Community Steering Group.

The Auchterarder Expansion Framework also identifies future improvements at Shinafoot on the A9 to allow additional expansion of the housing market in Auchterarder/Gleneagles.

(GK)