Station access plans go full steam ahead

Nicole Reid • Published 29 Jun 2012 09:30

PLANS to improve the access and parking at Gleneagles station stepped up a gear this week as councillors worked full steam ahead to appeal for a new station link road.

The council - who plan to invest £3.85 million to improve the access and car parking at Gleneagles Station - plan to create a link road with a turning circle, to run from the station to the A9/A823 roundabout.

They hope to improve the rail links in the Strathearn and Strathallan communities in time for the Ryder Cup which they say will also provide long-term benefits to the area.

Council leader Ian Miller said the link road will "enhance the station's use as a local transport hub" by allowing safe access for buses and local traffic as drivers currently "refuse to use it on the grounds of safety."

The new road would allow locals full access to the station and rail network. Councillors also hope it will also encourage tourists to use the rail network to get to and from Gleneagles and ensure it will be used throughout the Ryder Cup.

Councillor Miller told the Strathallan Times: "The construction of this road will allow Gleneagles Station to become an important transport hub for local people, and also for the local tourist industry.

"At present Gleneagles Station is under-used, but this project will make it a valuable asset to our local transport network. It will open up the possibility of rail travel to Strathearn and Strathallan, giving local people a real alternative to using their cars.

"If the proposals gain approval it is anticipated that a planning application will be submitted within the next three months. Construction time for the road is estimated at up to six months, meaning that the road will be in place in advance of the Ryder Cup in September 2014."

Strathallan Councillor Tom Gary welcomed proposals saying: "I have long yearned for the return of accessible rail links to serve the wider communities of Strathallan, Strathearn and beyond, and having campaigned passionately for these proposals since I was first elected to Perth and Kinross Council, I am delighted that we have now bitten the bullet and taken on board the Tay Estuary Rail Study.

"We are working full steam ahead with all stakeholders to get visitors safety to the first hole on time for the Ryder Cup in 2014. This significant infrastructure improvement also has great long-term benefits with the potential to foster a new and much needed association with bus and rail passenger transport for residents and visitors to the area.

"I very much welcome progress of this project to date and look forward to its completion in due course. This is a great project for our area of Perthshire and creates a lasting legacy of the Ryder Cup as well as providing much needed investment in our local transport infrastructure."

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