Drivers regularly traversing the vital A90 corridor between Dundee and Perth may soon face further significant travel disruptions, as a substantial new phase of road maintenance is being planned. This comes on the heels of recent extensive works, raising concerns among residents and commuters in Perth and Kinross about the cumulative impact on their daily routines.
Provisional plans indicate up to 70 days of construction activity are earmarked for a stretch of the dual carriageway located between St Madoes and Glendoick, both key communities within Perthshire. These potential works are scheduled to commence in January of the upcoming year, adding another layer of complexity to an already busy transport artery. Anticipating Renewed Travel Challenges
The prospect of prolonged roadworks will undoubtedly evoke a sense of déjà vu for many local drivers. Just recently, from August through October, this critical route experienced approximately 11 weeks of lane closures and restricted speed limits. That project, which focused on the replacement of safety barriers and vital drainage enhancements between Rait and Middlebank, concluded ahead of its initial schedule, offering a brief respite for those dependent on the A90 for commuting, business, and leisure travel. However, the respite may be short-lived.
The newly identified project is described as involving the “construction of barrier upgrades in the A90 centre reserve.” This type of work often necessitates lane closures and reduced speeds to ensure the safety of both road users and the construction teams. Given the scope and projected duration, residents in villages like St Madoes and Glendoick, as well as those commuting into or out of Perth, should prepare for considerable adjustments to their travel plans. Scope and Timeline of the Proposed Works
According to information available through the Scottish Road Works Commissioner, the proposed barrier upgrade scheme is projected to span approximately 70 working days. If these plans proceed as currently outlined, the period of disruption could extend from late January until late April 2026. This timeline suggests a sustained period of reduced capacity on a road that is a lifeline for connecting Perth and Kinross with Dundee and beyond.
The company responsible for these road improvements, Amey, has acknowledged these emerging plans. A spokesperson for Amey stated: “Road space has been provisionally reserved for a proposed road safety and drainage improvement scheme on the A90 between St Madoes and Glendoick, with indicative dates from January 2026. However, at this stage, the works are not yet confirmed beyond the initial planning phases. We will continue to engage with stakeholders through the planning of these essential maintenance works and provide stakeholder updates should project confirmations be gained.” Impact on Perth and Kinross
For individuals living in and around Perth, the A90 is more than just a road; it’s a crucial link for accessing employment, educational institutions, healthcare, and leisure facilities. Businesses across Perth and Kinross rely on the efficient movement of goods and services via this route. Extended periods of roadworks, even for essential safety improvements, inevitably lead to increased journey times, fuel consumption, and heightened frustration among drivers.
Local commuters, already accustomed to navigating the demands of a busy road network, will be keen to learn more details about the specific traffic management measures that will be implemented. Understanding whether it will involve contraflows, single-lane closures, or nighttime work will be crucial for planning their daily lives and mitigating the impact on school runs, work schedules, and local trade within Perth, Kinross, and the surrounding communities.
The ‘provisional’ nature of these plans provides a window for local communities and stakeholders to understand the necessity and planned execution of these future ‘essential maintenance works.’ While the need for robust infrastructure is undeniable, effective communication and careful planning of these significant projects remain paramount to minimise the inevitable inconvenience for thousands of road users in our region.
As these plans develop, it will be vital for residents of Perth and Kinross to stay informed and anticipate the potential adjustments required for their journeys along this critical section of the A90.
Provisional plans indicate up to 70 days of construction activity are earmarked for a stretch of the dual carriageway located between St Madoes and Glendoick, both key communities within Perthshire. These potential works are scheduled to commence in January of the upcoming year, adding another layer of complexity to an already busy transport artery. Anticipating Renewed Travel Challenges
The prospect of prolonged roadworks will undoubtedly evoke a sense of déjà vu for many local drivers. Just recently, from August through October, this critical route experienced approximately 11 weeks of lane closures and restricted speed limits. That project, which focused on the replacement of safety barriers and vital drainage enhancements between Rait and Middlebank, concluded ahead of its initial schedule, offering a brief respite for those dependent on the A90 for commuting, business, and leisure travel. However, the respite may be short-lived.
The newly identified project is described as involving the “construction of barrier upgrades in the A90 centre reserve.” This type of work often necessitates lane closures and reduced speeds to ensure the safety of both road users and the construction teams. Given the scope and projected duration, residents in villages like St Madoes and Glendoick, as well as those commuting into or out of Perth, should prepare for considerable adjustments to their travel plans. Scope and Timeline of the Proposed Works
According to information available through the Scottish Road Works Commissioner, the proposed barrier upgrade scheme is projected to span approximately 70 working days. If these plans proceed as currently outlined, the period of disruption could extend from late January until late April 2026. This timeline suggests a sustained period of reduced capacity on a road that is a lifeline for connecting Perth and Kinross with Dundee and beyond.
The company responsible for these road improvements, Amey, has acknowledged these emerging plans. A spokesperson for Amey stated: “Road space has been provisionally reserved for a proposed road safety and drainage improvement scheme on the A90 between St Madoes and Glendoick, with indicative dates from January 2026. However, at this stage, the works are not yet confirmed beyond the initial planning phases. We will continue to engage with stakeholders through the planning of these essential maintenance works and provide stakeholder updates should project confirmations be gained.” Impact on Perth and Kinross
For individuals living in and around Perth, the A90 is more than just a road; it’s a crucial link for accessing employment, educational institutions, healthcare, and leisure facilities. Businesses across Perth and Kinross rely on the efficient movement of goods and services via this route. Extended periods of roadworks, even for essential safety improvements, inevitably lead to increased journey times, fuel consumption, and heightened frustration among drivers.
Local commuters, already accustomed to navigating the demands of a busy road network, will be keen to learn more details about the specific traffic management measures that will be implemented. Understanding whether it will involve contraflows, single-lane closures, or nighttime work will be crucial for planning their daily lives and mitigating the impact on school runs, work schedules, and local trade within Perth, Kinross, and the surrounding communities.
The ‘provisional’ nature of these plans provides a window for local communities and stakeholders to understand the necessity and planned execution of these future ‘essential maintenance works.’ While the need for robust infrastructure is undeniable, effective communication and careful planning of these significant projects remain paramount to minimise the inevitable inconvenience for thousands of road users in our region.
As these plans develop, it will be vital for residents of Perth and Kinross to stay informed and anticipate the potential adjustments required for their journeys along this critical section of the A90.