Business concern as Pitlochry road to close

Key route to shut until Hogmanay

Pitlochry businesses and residents have expressed safety and trading fears with one of the town’s main entrances to shut for 6 months, just as the tourism season gets underway.

On Monday (June 15th) work will begin on a permanent repair to the retaining wall and embankment on the North-bound entrance to Pitlochry.

The work by Bear Scotland will necessitate the 24-hour closure of the North-bound off-slip until Hogmanay, although the South-bound exit from Pitlochry will remain fully open.

The work is necessary to safeguard the road from further erosion caused by high water levels on the River Tummel which forced a temporary repair in 2023.

Now, steel piles will be driven deep into the embankment to secure the retaining wall on a more permanent basis.

Image shows previous work to repair the retaining wall

Regulator guidance

Under the direction of SEPA, and given operational and structural requirements, the only time the work can be undertaken is in summer, ahead of anticipated high winter water levels.

Consultations have taken place with key stakeholders.

While businesses and residents, in the main, understand the need for the work to be carried out, fears have been expressed regarding impacts on trade during the peak tourism season, and for driver and public safety.

The closure will come into operation just ahead of the Heartland music festival in Pitlochry and just as businesses gear up for the influx of summer visitors.

North-bound road users, including tour buses, are being asked to enter the town off the A9, via the A924, signposted Killiecrankie, which is north of the town.

This 2-mile addition is anticipated to add 5 minutes to the normal journey, although A9 dualling works are also a factor.

Erosion damage prior to the temporary repair three years ago

Trade impacts

“This will seriously affect businesses in the town and prosperity,” argued one commentator on the local community information site, who questioned the level of engagement with local traders.

Some residents have highlighted the possibility that frustrated motorists may try to enter the town via the East Haugh/Croftinloan junction or the Foss Road/Fonab junction, both of which are being advised against.

Both junctions would mean traffic crossing against oncoming south-bound traffic, with a serious accident at Foss Road closing the A9 in both directions in May.

‘Open for Business’ message

Local businesses are getting the message out that Pitlochry is ‘open as usual’ and are urging patience, highlighting the many attractions worth waiting for.

Richard Cook, BEAR Scotland’s Bridges Manager said: “This retaining wall project is key to ensuring the structural integrity and resilience of this slip road and extending its service life for years to come and safeguarding against riverbank erosion during future extreme weather events.

“To minimise the impact of the works on the river environment, these works must be completed before the worst of the winter weather.

“The works have been planned to minimise disruption to road users and the local community as far as possible, however some delays are to be expected, especially during the summer peak times. Summertime working is essential to reduce the environmental impact of this project.

“We thank road users in advance for their patience and understanding while our teams carry out these essential works”