Contractor BAM had been challenged by client Perth & Kinross Council to reduce carbon by 30% from the original design, but the team has managed to exceed the target by almost 35%. Further carbon reductions are expected during the construction phase of the project.

The Cross Tay Link Road project involves the construction of a new three-span bridge over the River Tay and a new road linking the A9 and the A93 to Blairgowrie and the A94 north of Scone. It also includes the realignment of dual carriageway on the A9 just north of Inveralmond Roundabout.

BAM is building the Cross Tay Link Road, which includes a bridge over the River Tay

“There will always be carbon outputs when you undertake the construction of a complex major infrastructure project such as the Cross Tay Link Road, however with careful design and project management combined with smart project delivery we can make considerable carbon reductions,” said BAM Nuttall project director William Diver.

The project has been designed to recycle every tonne of earth that needs to be moved during construction. Earth materials from excavations are moved to form other features, for example road embankments needed in the overall design. By keeping all earthworks movements within the site boundary, BAM has significantly reduced the amount of construction traffic being added to the local road network.

Road pavements, footways/cycleways and road drainage have been changed to adopt more sustainable solutions and lower carbon materials. Design changes to the bridge structures have also helped BAM surpass its carbon-reduction targets.

“Simple steps like using modern plant with low fuel consumption, GPS enabled plant, and sustainable material selection and sourcing locally all contributed towards the lowering of the carbon footprint of the project,” said Diver. “This is just the start of the construction phase, so we will be refining and improving the way we work to deliver even more carbon reductions as the project develops.”

Perth & Kinross Council roads infrastructure manager Jillian Ferguson added: “Reducing carbon output is a key deliverable for the project when it is complete as it will act as an enabler to help shift traffic out of the city centre and promote active travel options. We are pleased with the progress BAM is making in putting carbon reduction as a central theme during the detailed design and construction phase of the project.”

The Cross Tay Link Road is due to open in early 2025.