400 Perth Residents Walk Destiny Bridge
Over 400 local residents became the first people to walk over Destiny Bridge during a public event on 14th and 15th February.
This event offered a one-off opportunity to walk through the centre of Destiny Bridge, from pier to pier, with the return walk being across the road itself. Attendees also enjoyed a short video documentary and an exhibition highlighting details of the project construction.
As part of the project's Community Benefits programme, tickets for this event were sold in partnership with YMCA Perth. 410 Tickets sold out in under 3 hours, with the full £5 value going to the charity; a total of £2010.
Tony Dellaquaglia, Office and Finance Manager for YMCA commented, "YMCA Tayside is delighted to receive the funded support from the Destiny Bridge Open day. The funds raised will go a long way towards supporting the young people who are being housed in our Supported Accommodation at 18 North William Street. Just like the brand new bridge, this is a brand new venture for us and we will use the funds towards ensuring the young people are housed in quality flats with quality support from staff.”
Councillor Grant Laing, Leader of Perth and Kinross Council commented, "It was a fantastic event, and hugely informative. I was fortunate to speak to several local residents, all of whom spoke enthusiastically about the event, and the project in general. Without exception, people remarked on the benefits to be gained by Destiny Bridge and the New Kingsway, and it seems the countdown to March 31st is on everyone's minds!"
Sarah Gardner, Project Officer for PKC commented, "I'd like to thank the entire project team, who worked tirelessly leading up to the event. We're delighted that it was so well received by all who attended - feedback has been excellent - and to have raised so much for such a worthwhile local charity."
Photography copyright: Graeme Hart, Perthshire Picture Agency
The £150m Cross Tay Link Road project was approved by Perth & Kinross Council in June 2016, and will open on 31st March, 2025.
The project centres around Destiny Bridge – a three-span structure crossing over the River Tay; and the New Kingsway – a six-kilometre stretch of new carriageway linking the A9 to the A93 and A94. It also includes two kilometres of realigned dual carriageway on the A9 just north of Inveralmond Roundabout.
The project’s key priority is focused on improving air quality and reducing congestion in the centre of Perth, by providing a new transport infrastructure that offers an alternative to driving through the city itself.
Transforming travel across the region, Destiny Bridge and the New Kingsway play a significant role in unlocking the economic potential of Perth by opening areas for future development and, in turn, maximising inward investment opportunities. The project also improves Perth’s already excellent interface with the trunk road network, building on its enviable location and connectivity in the heart of Scotland.
To this end, the Scottish Government awarded a £40m funding contribution to Perth & Kinross Council, with the balance coming from the local authority itself.
During construction the project helped communities and local businesses, created job opportunities and built new talent to tackle local skills shortages, through the Community Benefits programme.