Highland Perthshire Cycling has called for an urgent reassessment of Transport Scotland’s A9 diversion routes as cyclists face long diversions on busy roads due to upcoming road closures in Dunkeld.
The group is calling for a rethink on the active travel arrangements on Regional Cycle Route 83 (RCR83) north of Dunkeld, Perthshire, following confirmation that Logierait Bridge will close during the peak summer cycling season. They have criticised the diversion route that Transport Scotland has implemented during the closure of a key section of the route.
Closure details and diversion concerns
The closure of 500m of Regional Cycling Route 83 (RCR83) between Guay and Kindallachan was implemented as part of the A9 Dualling: Tay Crossing to Ballinluig project. Cyclists have been diverted via National Cycle Network Route 77 (NCN77), a longer route on a 60mph road up the opposite bank of the Tay river, intended to provide a continuous alternative while construction takes place.
However, from early August, Logierait Bridge, a critical part of that diversion, will close for essential repairs, leaving cyclists facing a significantly longer and less attractive route involving approximately six miles on the busy A827 between Grandtully and Logierait.
Group's criticism and demands
Mike Stead of Highland Perthshire Cycling said: “For months, Transport Scotland has maintained that cyclists should use NCN77 because it offers a ‘continuous alternative route’. In just a few weeks, that route will itself be broken by the closure of Logierait Bridge.“Despite this, there is still no published alternative and no indication that the overall strategy is being reassessed.”
Highland Perthshire Cycling claim Transport Scotland A9 contractor Wills Bros did not undertake proper consultation on behalf of Transport Scotland and concerns were previously raised about the diversion. The RCR83 route remains accessible past the Kindallachan site works on foot and Transport Scotland has installed “Cyclists Dismount and Use Footway” signage on the route itself.
Transport Scotland’s website states “cyclists wishing to use the pedestrian access are asked to please dismount or alternatively use the NCN77 diversion”. Transport Scotland states that a route requiring cyclists to dismount for approximately 500 metres cannot be considered a “continuous cycle route” and therefore cannot replace the signed diversion.
Highland Perthshire Cycling challenges that, with Mike adding: “Most cyclists would gladly accept a short, flat 500 metre walk if it meant avoiding miles of riding amongst fast-moving traffic.“The idea that cyclists would prefer a longer, hillier route on 60mph roads rather than a short walk, and should not be given the informed choice shows how disconnected Transport Scotland are from their duty of care to vulnerable road users.“Ironically, the closure of the road to vehicles north of Dunkeld to where the A9 cycle path begins at Rotmell has made the experience of cycling up the A9 nicer, due to no through traffic.”
The charity says increasing numbers of cyclists are now reporting that the changing arrangements are affecting their holiday and travel plans. Comments from cyclists using the route indicate that some visitors are reconsidering trips to the area due to concerns about being diverted onto busy roads once the bridge closure takes effect.
Highland Perthshire Cycling states members are not opposed to the A9 Dualling project itself and recognises the need for construction-related traffic management. The organisation is instead calling for a reassessment of the RCR83 diversion strategy and publication of the alternative arrangements that will apply during the Logierait Bridge closure. They are requesting clearer signage informing cyclists that passage through the RCR83 works remains possible by dismounting and greater transparency around consultation and decision-making processes.
Mike Stead added: “This isn’t about stopping the works. It’s about common sense. When the diversion route you’ve been relying on is about to close, that should trigger a review.“At the moment, cyclists are being told to trust a plan that is literally disappearing beneath them. Transport Scotland, its contractor and PKC have a duty of care to provide the safest-possible route and not mislead the public.”
Transport Scotland's response
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said:“Transport Scotland appreciates the patience of the travelling public in respect of the temporary traffic management measures necessary for construction of the Tay Crossing to Ballinluig project.“Temporary traffic management measures, including closures and diversions, are essential during major construction works to ensure safety for both the contractor’s workforce and the travelling public.“Transport Scotland’s contractor for the A9 Dualling: Tay Crossing to Ballinluig project, Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd, consulted with Police Scotland and Perth and Kinross Council on the temporary closure of a section of Regional Cycling Route 83 (RCR83) to facilitate necessary construction works. This closure came into effect in mid-February 2026, and included diversion of cyclists to National Cycle Route 77 (NCR77) as an alternative continuous cycling route. However, the option for cyclists to continue to use RCR83 and dismounting to use the local diversion as pedestrians has remained available.“As the works at Logierait Bridge do not form part of the Tay Crossing to Ballinluig project, neither Transport Scotland nor its contractor are responsible for the timing of these works or decisions on the diversion routes proposed as a consequence of these works.”
