FIRST Minister John Swinney has opened a new bridge in Perthshire hailing it as a “significant milestone”.
The New Kingsway and Destiny Bridge opened on March 31 2025 with a ceremony led by Swinney, Perth and Kinross council leader, Grant Laing, and local athletics champion Eilidh Doyle.
The Olympic medallist led a parade of joggers, wheelchair users and cyclists along the new Active Travel Path Network in celebration.
The Cross Tay Link Road, a £150 million project that is the biggest infrastructure project carried out in the area, features a 6km carriageway linking the A9 to the A93 and A94 north of Perth.
The link road is hoped to reduce air pollution in the city centre of Perth along with improving journey times for motorists.
The active travel path network is 12km long and connects the neighbouring communities with Perth city centre.
The path network also connects a central hub at a new Park-and-Choose area, and incorporates a green bridge to separate active travel users and wildlife from the road.
Swinney said: “The completion of the New Kingsway and Destiny Bridge is a significant milestone for Perth, and I have no doubt that it will be transformative for the area and bring enormous benefits to all who use it.
“Reducing traffic volumes in the city centre will make journey times quicker, while also helping to reduce pollution, improve air quality, and free up road space for improved public transport.
“Our £40 million investment in the New Kingsway and Destiny Bridge is in addition to the £150m Scottish Government has already committed to the Tay Cities Region Deal, which is expected to create 6000 jobs and lever a further £400m of investment into the region.
“This project showcases exactly how, with the right investment and strong partnerships, we will continue to deliver on my priorities of growing the economy, improving public services and protecting the planet.”
The project was delivered on time and on budget.
Laing, Perth and Kinross Council Leader, said: “As the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by Perth and Kinross Council, the opening of Destiny Bridge and the New Kingsway marks a momentous achievement for all involved.
“I would like to offer thanks to the project team for their hard work and dedication; and to residents, particularly those in Stormontfield, Scone and Luncarty, for their patience and understanding during the build.”
He added: “As well as positively impacting on the environment and economy, during construction the project has created job opportunities and tackled local skills shortages through a robust outreach and training programme.
“It has also assisted in, and generated, several legacy projects including the Denmarkfield Allotments and Community Orchards, the new active travel path network and the Community Artwork project, all of which will bring enjoyment and health benefits for our Perth and Kinross residents for many years to come.”
Members of the public were also given the opportunity to walk the Destiny Bridge, which crosses the River Tay, at the weekend.
