The Cross Tay Link Road (CTLR) project, including the New Kingsway and Destiny Bridge, involved a major infrastructure upgrade north of Perth, Scotland, including a 2km realignment of the A9 trunk road, a three-span bridge over the River Tay, and 6km of new local roads connecting the A9, A93, and A94. Key features included the Highfield Green Bridge, which supports active travel and wildlife movement.
Fairhurst and Arup, operating as AFJV, were appointed in 2020 to deliver Stage 1 design services under an NEC Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contract. Following approval of the target cost by Perth and Kinross Council, the contract was extended to include Stage 2 detailed design and site supervision under NEC3 ECC Option C.
The scope encompassed project management, bridge and road alignment design, drainage, geotechnical and pavement engineering, street lighting, landscaping and full BIM Level 2 delivery. The team also led stakeholder engagement and coordinated with Transport Scotland and Network Rail to secure necessary consents.
A critical aspect was the phased construction of the A9 realignment and grade-separated junction to minimise traffic disruption. The Bertha Park embankment required complex geotechnical solutions due to soft marine deposits, including band drains and strict settlement timelines.
The project has been recognised for its both its technical complexity and sustainability achievements, notably in reducing carbon emissions through optimised pavement, footway, and drainage designs using low-carbon materials. Structures of note include the balanced cantilever bridge over the River Tay and the Highfield Bridge, which serves as a green corridor.
BIM and digital data management played a central role in coordination and clash detection, contributing to the project’s overall success.
AWARDS
Transport Infrastructure Project of the Year – Scottish Civil Engineering Awards, 2025
Transport Project Award of the Year – British Construction and Infrastructure Award BCI Awards, 2025
