Perthshire is known for its woodlands and forested areas, with a growing forestry sector that, while providing economic benefits, also presents issues for local communities, visitors and road users.
Upgrades were made on five public roads - three in rural Highland Perthshire, and two around Kinross and Dunning - where the impact of timber transport journeys was already being felt.
All of the roads are strategically important for long-term local forestry operations, in addition to providing access for tourists and residents. However, many sections of the roads are also narrow and posed difficulties in terms of sharp bends, reduced visibility for road users, and limited opportunities for vehicles, from cars and bikes to timber lorries and other HGVs to pass each other safely.
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The £1.48m STTS grant, together with £634,000 match funding from the Council, was used to build new retaining walls, strengthen road edges and carry out resurfacing work, as well as creating 92 new passing places to improve road safety for motorists, cyclists, walkers and horse riders alike. The work was carried out by seven contractors between late 2017 and March 2018, being completed during one of the more severe winters in recent years. This included the arrival of the 'Beast from the East' which brought the worst winter conditions for around eight years to Perth and Kinross.
Environment and Infrastructure Convener, Councillor Angus Forbes said: "The successful funding bid to the FCS for £1.48m has enabled us to put in place vital road improvement and safety measures on these public roads.
"Taking this action was crucial to mitigate the impact of heavy haulage movements on local communities. This has made travelling on these routes a safer experience now and into the future for all road users, as well as local residents and businesses.
"Going forward, I am delighted that we have been successful in bids for STTS funding in 2018/19 which will focus on surface dressing the roads which we completed work on earlier this year, and carrying out further timber transport road improvements in the Rannoch area.
"It is also very positive to note that our approach to stakeholder consultation on the project's delivery has been praised nationally by FCS. From the start we wanted to ensure communities were engaged and informed about the project. As a Council, we will continue to work together with timber hauliers through regional and national timber transport groups to minimise the impact of timber haulage operations in our area."
(CM/MH)
