Road closure between Muthill and Auchterarder causing problems

Dec 7 2012 by Lynn Duke, Strathearn Herald

Drivers have voice their anger at “unsatisfactory” diversion signs following the closure of the A823 that runs between Muthill and Gleneagles.

The road will be closed for bridge repairs until December 21, with the official alternative route a 17-mile detour via the A822 and A9.

However, locals have said that although it is well signposted from the Muthill end, things are not quite so clear for drivers at the Gleneagles junction.

Auchterarder resident Fiona Cumming said: “It’s all very well for those of us who know the options but hopeless for people who don’t know the area, as I have already witnessed on several occasions.

“I’ve seen several people come in to the Co-op to ask how they can get to Crieff.”

The road closure has also meant a higher volume of traffic on the shorter seven-mile route from Muthill via Tullibardine to Auchterarder and when there was snow on the road on Monday, a further problem was highlighted.

A sign went up warning that the road may not be gritted.

Concerned parents are angry and appalled that Perth and Kinross Council is not treating what is also a school bus route as a priority.

Fiona added: “With this weather, we never know quite which routes are going to be gritted. We know, certainly, that more minor roads, such as the one that goes down Castleton and close to Tullibardine and through Muthill and the one via Hunter Street and the Kinkell Bridge don’t usually get gritted.

“If we aren’t getting to use the top road, then the next usable road needs to be kept usable. And what can be more priority than a bus route?”

A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said that bosses were aware of concerns over gritting between Station Road in Muthill and Auchterarder, via Tullibardine.

They said: “The council can confirm it has been contacted regarding gritting of the route from Station Road, Muthill to Auchterarder via Tullibardine.

“When drawing up winter maintenance routes, we take into account a number of factors including the road class and level of usage, with the most frequently and heavily used roads classed as Category 1 - our first priority for gritting and snow-clearing to help keep motorists on the move wherever possible. This includes the A823.

“However, the geography of the council area means that the routes taken by school buses often use roads that are a lower priority for winter maintenance, and it is not practical or feasible for us to treat these at the same time as Category 1 routes.

“While we will continue to treat the formal diversion route for the A823 closure among our routes of first priority, we will also treat the Tullibardine route, which is classed as Category 2, as early as possible once work on the priority routes is completed.”