A9 Contraflow Work and Updates
PLEASE NOTE: Works are likely to cause delays to your journey between the A9 north of Inveralmond roundabout and Bankfoot. Delays will vary depending on the time of day and traffic volumes. Live updates of the expected journey times will be on Traffic Scotland’s website and Twitter feed. Please allow extra time and plan in advance.
BAM Nuttall, in its capacity as main contractor for the Cross Tay Link Road is about to commence works on the A9 to tie-in the existing road with the new realigned A9. This forms part of the works associated with the new flyover between Inveralmond Roundabout and Luncarty, linking the new bridge over the River Tay.
In order to facilitate these improvements, contraflows on the A9 north of Inveralmond roundabout will be in place from 11 April 2023 until late August 2023.
William Diver, BAM Nuttall Project Director commented, “Whilst these works will allow for a more efficient infrastructure in the long term, we fully appreciate the inconvenience caused to motorists during this period and I would like to assure all road users that the team is committed to ensuring we complete this vital section of work with as little disruption as is possible.”
In order to construct the tie in works for the new A9 section of the Cross Tay Link Road, works will be undertaken on the A9 dual carriageway between Inveralmond Roundabout and north of the Luncarty junction. This will take place in two phases:
- First contraflow – (11 April – 24 June 2023); northbound lane closures on A9, contraflow in place on existing A9 Southbound lanes. The Luncarty junction will remain open for both the on and off slips.
- Second contraflow – (late June to late August); traffic under contraflow on new A9 road alignment on the northbound lanes. This will be for a period of around 10 weeks and will include the closure of the Luncarty junction southbound. Throughout the duration of the southbound slip road closure from Luncarty, a shuttle bus will be provided to maintain public transport provision.
Grant Laing, Leader of Perth & Kinross Council commented, “It is encouraging to see Phase 2 of the Perth Transport Futures Project now underway. The Cross Tay Link Road is the central element of the project and on completion, it will improve traffic flow and reduce journey times throughout the area. It will also enhance pedestrian and cycle safety, increase network capacity and significantly reduce traffic congestion and related pollution in Perth city centre.”
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What is a contraflow?
A contraflow system is where traffic is directed in the opposite direction than it would normally flow. You’ll often find temporary contraflow systems when there are roadworks, which are supported through traffic management systems to ensure safety for road users at all times.
Why does there have to be contraflow?
As part of the Cross Tay Link Road project, 2km of the A9 will be realigned westwards to make room for the new junction and bridge over the Railway and River Tay. The contraflow is required to enable BAM Nuttall to safely work on the existing A9 to tie in the existing road with the new realigned A9 at each end of the realignment.
How long will the contraflows last?
Contraflows on the A9 north of the Inveralmond roundabout will be in place from 11 April 2023 until mid-August 2023.
Why does it have to be so long?
The works involve tying into the existing carriageway, which needs to be phased to ensure access for the A9 users is maintained. This process involves earthworks, drainage, ducting, pavement construction, signs, verge finishes, footpaths and white lining. The works have been planned and sequenced to ensure a minimal delay for road users.
In phase 1 of the contraflow, the existing northbound A9 will be closed, and a contraflow will be in place on the current A9 southbound. However, the Luncarty junction will remain open (both the on and off slips). And it will be in place from 11th April 2023 until 22nd June 2023.
In phase 2 of the contraflow, traffic will use the new realigned A9 northbound lanes contraflow. The existing A9 southbound lanes will be closed, as will the southbound on the slip at Luncarty). This will be from 22nd June 2023 until Late August 2023.
Why is work not happening 24 hours a day?
Due to the nature of the works, a settlement duration for the road construction needs to be managed. This restricts the work that can be undertaken, but it is still essential that it is completed to allow the road tie-ins to be completed. Therefore working 24hrs would not reduce the settlement period and would not be feasible. The works must also adhere to planning conditions that state the project’s hours.
Why is the work happening in the summer?
We understand there is no good time to put contraflow into use, but driving in the winter is very different than at other times of the year. Adverse weather and more extended periods of darkness (especially after the clocks go back at the end of October) make driving more hazardous. Sometimes conditions can be extreme, as we have discovered over recent winters, with prolonged periods of heavy snow and floods. So summer months have fewer safety risks.
What is the speed limit for the contraflow?
40mph
Can pedestrians cross the contraflow?
Pedestrians cannot cross, but the Southbound verge footpath will remain open.
Will the existing bus stops still be available?
The Southbound bus stop at Redgorton will remain open during phase 1, and the Northbound bus stop will be closed. The alternative bus stop will be at the top of the off the northbound slip to Luncarty.
Will the Luncarty slip road still be open?
During phase 1 of the contraflow, the existing northbound A9 will be closed, and a contraflow will be in place on the current A9 southbound. However, the Luncarty junction will remain open (both the on and off slips).
During phase 2 of the contraflow, traffic will use the new realigned A9 northbound lanes in the contraflow. The existing A9 southbound lanes will be closed, as will the southbound on the slip at Luncarty). A shuttle bus service will be provided throughout the southbound on slip closure to maintain public transport provisions.
What emergency response procedures are in place?
There will be a free recovery service for the duration of the contraflow works for any traffic that breaks down within the temporary traffic management. Signs will be visible for contact details.
How long will the delays be?
The delays will vary depending on the time of day and traffic volumes. Live updates of the expected journey times will be on Traffic Scotland’s website and Twitter feed. Although we are asking drivers to plan journeys as delays will be likely.