The Scottish Government today published the draft Orders for the Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing section, marking the commencement of the statutory consultation period for the final phase of the A9 Dualling programme.

This challenging scheme aims to upgrade the route with significant improvements to infrastructure and connectivity.

The detailed plans include new grade-separated junctions at Birnam and Dalguise, as well as a new roundabout at Dunkeld. Additionally, the scheme proposes a new car park for Dunkeld & Birnam railway station and an underpass beneath both the A9 and the railway, providing step-free access to both station platforms for residents and visitors.

To facilitate public engagement, an online exhibition and Story Map detailing the plans went live today. Furthermore, two in-person public exhibitions are scheduled to be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 (11:00 AM to 8:00 PM) and Thursday, June 12, 2025 (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM) at the Birnam Arts Centre, Station Rd, Birnam, Dunkeld, PH8 0DS.

-- Advertisement --

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop highlighted the collaborative nature of the scheme's development: "This is the last section of the dualling programme to reach draft Order stage. The route option selection for this challenging scheme was the subject of a co-creative process with the local community. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their work through the co-creative process which has helped broaden our vision for the A9 Dualling through this section of the route."

Hyslop noted that the draft Orders incorporate key elements of the community's preferred route option, including the Dunkeld roundabout and the junction layouts at The Hermitage and Dalguise. She stated these inclusions will help meet the community's objective of promoting long-term and sustainable economic growth in Dunkeld, Birnam, and the surrounding areas, while also improving connectivity and accessibility to Dunkeld railway station.

"Local communities and road users will have the chance to see and comment on our plans for this challenging section of the A9 at face-to-face public exhibitions in June and via an online exhibition which will go live today. I would encourage anyone with an interest in this scheme to view our plans online or come along to one of the events and have their say," Hyslop urged.

Reaffirming the government's commitment, she concluded: "We are committed to delivering a safe, reliable, resilient and dualled A9 between Perth and Inverness in line with our published delivery plan, which anticipates dualling to be operational by the end of 2035. Whilst the magnitude and complexities of this work are considerable, there will be no let up on progressing the dualling programme which will bring many benefits to local communities, businesses, visitors and road users living, travelling and working along the corridor including reduced journey times, improved journey time reliability, improved road safety and opportunities for active travel."