New Bertha Park Link Road Opens

The next phase of Perth and Kinross Council’s landmark Perth Transport Futures Project is completed with the opening of the new Bertha Park Link Road on Wednesday 24 June, five weeks ahead of schedule.

The new 1.4km road links the roundabout adjacent to Bertha Park High School with the A9 West Roundabout at Destiny Bridge, creating an additional route for local communities and businesses and improving connectivity to major destinations including Inveralmond Industrial Estate, Perth Racecourse and Scone Palace.

A dedicated 3m-wide shared cycleway has also been created, providing active travel users with a continuous route from the A85 Crieff Road to the A94 north of Scone. Signal-controlled crossings have been provided at key junctions, with infrastructure in place to support future public transport services. Artwork continuing the themes from Destiny Bridge and the New Kingsway is also due to be installed.

Supporting future housing and economic growth, the £15 million project budget has been front funded by Perth and Kinross Council, with costs being recovered through developer contributions linked to the wider Bertha Park development. The scheme is forecast to be delivered within budget.

Councillor Eric Drysdale, Leader of Perth & Kinross Council, commented, “The Perth Transport Futures Project is a long-term investment in the future of Perth and Kinross. As well as creating better connections for communities and businesses, it offers improved active travel and public transport routes and supports sustainable growth by unlocking opportunities for housing, jobs and investment across the area.”

During this Bertha Park Link Road phase, more than £2.1 million of the £2.81 million supply chain spend was retained locally, supporting businesses and generating social and local economic value. Local contractors, including Laird Contractors and Breedon Group, contributed to the project, while two apprentice groundworkers were employed during construction.

Community initiatives included engagement with Bertha Park High School through site visits and work experience opportunities, upgrades to play facilities at Bertha Park and planned improvement works at Pitcairn Primary School.

Serge Merone, Strategic Lead for Economy, Development and Planning at Perth & Kinross Council, commented, “Supporting local businesses, creating opportunities for apprentices and delivering lasting social value have been central to the project and we are proud of the legacy it will leave.

“We are now looking ahead to the next phase of the programme and engaging with residents and businesses to help shape future city centre improvements and maximise the benefits of our wider Mobility Strategy.”

Adrian Collins, Director at BAM UK & Ireland, commented: “Bertha Park Link Road is a strong example of what well-planned infrastructure can do for local communities. Completing Phase 3 five weeks ahead of schedule reflects the strength of our partnership with Perth and Kinross Council, the commitment of the project team, and the careful planning that has gone into delivering this important new connection for Perth.”