First Minister, John Swinney, became one of the first people to walk across Destiny Bridge when he visited the Cross Tay Link Road project in August 2024 to witness the final stages in the structural completion of the Bridge.
Along with Councillor Grant Laing, Perth & Kinross Council Leader, Dave Doogan, MP for Angus & Perthshire Glens, and Councillor Eric Drysdale, PKC Economy and Infrastructure Convener, Thomas Glen, PKC Chief Executive of PKC and David Littlejohn, PKCA Strategic Lead (Economy, Development & Planning), Mr Swinney was offered a full progress update on the £150m project.
Mr Swinney commented, “The Cross Tay Link Road project represents a significant financial commitment from the Scottish Government, with £40m of financial support invested.
“As a key element of the Perth Transport Futures infrastructure project, the CTLR is hugely important to the future of Perth & Kinross. It will undoubtedly transform travel across the region as well as reducing pollution in Perth city centre, and in turn, will unlock the economic potential of the area.”
Perth and Kinross Council leader Councillor Grant Laing said: “The completion of Destiny Bridge will be an important milestone in what is the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken in Perth and Kinross.
“Perth’s location and well-connected road network is key to its long term economic-success and will help deliver a cleaner and more sustainable city centre.”
The First Minister’s visit coincided with the second of three central stitch pours on Destiny Bridge.
Derek Walsh, contracts manager for BAM UK & Ireland, CTLR’s main contractor explained, “There are three stich segments which tie the structure together upon completion. The first was poured on July 23rd and is located at the east end of the structure.
“The second and third stitches are carefully constructed following a precise construction sequence; this week, we’ve carried out the internal kentledge concrete pour on the east section of the bridge, and this will be followed by alignment checks, stressing work, and the second stitch. The third and final west end stitch will be completed early in September 2024.”
Jillian Ferguson, Roads & Infrastructure Manager, commented, “We have made good progress this summer and I’m pleased to have welcomed the First Minister and our local elected representatives to witness the efforts of the team. These final few weeks mark a significant milestone within the project, and I am delighted to report that structural work on Destiny Bridge is expected to complete mid-September.”
Project completion is due for Spring 2025, when the full benefits of Destiny Bridge and the new 6km stretch of road (New Kingsway) linking the A9 and A94 north of Scone will come to fruition. Addressing the long-term transportation needs of the area, the project will divert traffic away from the most congested parts of the city centre, improving traffic flow and reducing journey times, as well as easing congestion and air pollution.
Alongside this, enhanced opportunities for active travel are hoped to encourage more sustainable travel options.
Councillor Grant Laing, PKC Leader, commented, “The project has been heralded as playing a vital role in the future of Perth and Kinross, both economically – it is predicted to leverage £966 million of private sector investment in housing and employment – and environmentally.
“This is the biggest infrastructure project ever undertaken by this council and it is fantastic to see this major milestone reached.”
Project Update
Destiny Bridge
Both the east abutment receiving segment (EP-SS15) and the west abutment receiving segment (WP-SS16) are now complete.
The construction of the balanced cantilever reinforced concrete bridge deck segments has continued with all fifty-four segments now complete. The careful construction sequence used has ensured perfect balance is maintained throughout the process.
In addition, the first (EP-SS14) of three the stitch segments is complete and the bridge superstructure (deck) is scheduled for completion by mid-September 2024. (See below)
New Kingsway
Several key elements including traffic signs, street lighting, vehicle safety barriers, and landscaping are all nearing completion between the A93 and A94 roundabouts. Surfacing has also progressed well. Remaining works on signage and verge finishes will complete next period.
The Green Bridge at Highfield is complete with only final touches to landscaping to come. This important connection between the new road and Highfield Woods serves as a crossing for local wildlife, and active travel users.
The Living Bench public artwork installation is also complete and sits atop the Green Bridge. Work on the artwork mural under the bridge will be complete by end of August 2024.
A9
The new A9 alignment is fully established and working well for drivers, and ancillary works such as bus-bays, footpaths, and accommodation works are completed.
The earthworks and drainage along the old A9 route continue, but drainage for the new Park-and-Choose area is now complete.
Finishing works on the A9 overbridge superstructure, including kerbing, ducting and hard landscaping, and surfacing works on adjacent roundabouts are also complete.
Work on the reinforced earth approach embankment, connecting the new A9 junction to Destiny bridge, continues. The Denmarkfield Access Portal precast units have been installed and the connecting reinforced earth panel retaining wall has commenced. This structure, when completed, will maintain through-access for local properties, as well as cyclists and pedestrians. Active travellers have been temporarily diverted from the A9 onto the existing riverside core path, enabling works to progress here safely.