Murdo Fraser MSP has said he is pleased to hear that Transport Scotland is looking at introducing mitigating measures to deal with lengthy tailbacks caused by roadworks on the A9 near Perth.
The Scottish Conservative politician has received a response from Transport Scotland to a letter he sent them following long queues of traffic on the weekend of April 14, which led to delays of at least an hour for some motorists. This was due to work taking place north of the Inveralmond roundabout, as part of the construction of the Cross Tay Link Road.
A contraflow system is in place with lane closures at Luncarty. The current contraflow is in place until June 24, with the second set to run from late June to late August.
Mr Fraser has been contacted by constituents who are concerned at the length of the traffic delays and the possible impact this could have on tourism in the area.
Commenting, Mr Fraser said: “I was driving up to Aberfeldy on the A9 Perth to Inverness road during this busy weekend and was told that one motorist seemingly had to wait around three hours due to the roadworks.
“In their response to my letter, Transport Scotland say they are in discussions with Perth and Kinross Council and their contractor to explore additional measures to reduce delays on the A9, which they concede could ‘impact local, strategic and emergency service traffic.’ I am pleased that they recognise there is a problem here and that they are looking at ways to mitigate traffic delays.
“Transport Scotland state that ‘unfortunately there will be days when travel time will be significantly increased’ which acknowledges the issue here. My concern, and the concern of many of my constituents, was the impact this may have on tourism in Perthshire, especially during the busy summer season.”
Mr Fraser continued: “It is imperative that work continues on the Cross Tay Link Road, as it is a vital infrastructure project, but it is also important that measures are put in place to reduce delays for frustrated drivers travelling on the A9.”
