On Wednesday, Councillors will receive an update regarding the Perth Transport Futures (PTF) project, which is vital to the future economic development of Perth.
Phase One involves the upgrade of the A9/A85 junction to provide better flow of both local and through traffic and create easier connections to Inveralmond. A second major access to Inveralmond is intended to relieve pressure on the junction at peak times and reduce journey times on the local transport network.
The improved junction also allows for the expansion of Perth as envisaged in the proposed Local Development Plan. It will create the potential for the creation of between 3,000 and 5,000 new jobs through the opening up of economic development land to the west and north west of the city.
Future phases of the PTF project will see a Cross Tay Link Road built to the north of Perth, as well as an A9 link to Berthapark. The whole project will reduce congestion in Perth city, improve air quality and allow the sustainable growth of Perth, and the area as a whole.
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At this week's meeting, Councillors will hear that dialogue has started with landowners to allow the Council to secure the necessary land to begin work on Phase 1.
It is hoped that land acquisition can be agreed amicably with landowners.
The cost of the first phase is estimated to be £23.5m, of which the Council will fund £20.9m.
Councillors will be asked to commit to funding Phase 1 through prudential borrowing.
Council Leader, Councillor Ian Miller, said: "This will be the largest infrastructure project undertaken by the Council since the Perth City flood defences were built.
"These infrastructure improvements are vital to the future of Perth, as well as wider Perth and Kinross, and we are fully committed to the project across its phases.
"The improved roads network will bring increased investment into Perth and allow sustainable development to the west and northwest of the city. This is very important to the future development of our local economy. The project will also improve air quality in Perth and reduce congestion.
"We hope to move forward with the Phase 1 as swiftly as we can now, and we are currently in the process of securing the necessary land. We hope to have the upgraded A9/A85 junction and associated road improvements completed by 2018.
"This is a very ambitious and significant scheme that will require major investment by the Council. The importance of this new infrastructure for the future of Perth and Kinross means that the work simply has to be carried out. Without these improvements Perth will be unable to develop as a city."
(JP/CD)
