Path is open again after repairs
Work to restore a vital Highland Perthshire pedestrian underpass washed away during Storm Babet was completed last week.
The pathway section at the side of the River Braan, which led under the A9 trunk road between Inver and Dunkeld, reopened to the public on Thursday.
To allow the path to be reinstated as quickly and safely as possible, rock bags were placed in the riverbank to stabilise the ground.
However, the wooden old Sapper’s footbridge, which was also swept away during the October deluge, will not be restored at this time.
The community will be consulted on any proposals to replace it in the future.
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: “Works to restore the public crossing under the A9 trunk road between Inver and Dunkeld were successfully completed on Thursday and the path reopened to the public.
“People wishing to walk or cycle can now do so via the A9 underpass and path connection to the Inver Road.
“The old Sapper’s footbridge will not be restored at this stage and the community will be consulted on any proposals to replace it in the future.
“The path restoration works have been led by Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland working with Perth and Kinross Council, the National Trust for Scotland and Forestry Land Scotland.”
Local safety concerns were raised following the damage, given that no footbridge over the Braan meant many elderly people who do not drive and school pupils living in Inver could not reach Dunkeld without walking across the road.
The council stepped in and provided school transport across the bridge for any affected school children for the duration of the project.
Local Green MSP Mark Ruskell wrote to the Minister for Transport, Perth and Kinross Council and Transport Scotland calling for signage and a speed restriction of 40mph along this stretch of the A9.
Mobile street lamps were added at the Inver junction.