A £2.7m improvement scheme on the A9 at Bankfoot will reduce congestion and improve road safety, Finance Secretary John Swinney said.

The Cabinet Secretary was speaking during a visit to Bankfoot to mark the beginning of the works on Monday.

The improvements, close to Bankfoot, will deliver real safety benefits by modifying the existing junctions to remove the need for right-turns at this location.

Mr Swinney said: "This £2.7m investment will make significant road safety improvements and a contribution to easing congestion on this stretch of the A9.

"Together with the Carrbridge scheme, which started last week, this demonstrates our commitment to invest progressively in the A9 on a continuing basis leading to dualling the A9 between Perth and Inverness."

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The scheme will support at least 60 local jobs and provide a boost to the construction industry.

Through the use of sustainable materials the project is being carried in a more efficient and environmentally friendly manner. Engineers have designed this scheme in a way which re-uses existing concrete layers when constructing a new stretch of road. This approach minimises the use of new materials while reducing waste and carbon emissions.

The programme, managed and supervised by Scotland TranServ on behalf of Transport Scotland, involves substantial works to provide a new junction layout and access to Bankfoot.

This section of trunk road provides a key link to the North of Scotland, carrying around 16,000 vehicles a day. Transport Scotland and Scotland TranServ have worked closely together to minimise the impact on trunk road traffic and the surrounding roads network.

There will be lane restrictions and single file working controlled by traffic lights throughout the 20 week programme.

Norrie Westbrook, Scotland TranServ's Contract Director, said: "Both Scotland TranServ and Transport Scotland would like to reassure the travelling public that a great deal of effort has been made to consider the traffic management options, in order to minimise delays to the road user during these works."

Road users have been advised to use this section of the A9 to plan their journey in advance or consider alternative methods of transport during the works.

(GK/JM)