Murdo has raised concerns about a decision to close the A9 northbound slip road to Pitlochry for seven months.
He recently wrote to Transport Scotland after some constituents had expressed their displeasure with the announcement as they feel it will impact on a series of events taking place during this period.
The work, scheduled to begin on June 1 and last until December, will involve repairs to the Tummel retaining wall and embankment.
Commenting, Murdo said: “In their response to me, Transport Scotland have stated that their operating company, BEAR Scotland, has advised that the A9 northbound slip road to Pitlochry requires to be closed for the duration of the work taking place.
“Transport Scotland have said that the work must ‘also take place in the summer’ period due to ‘environmental constraints’ but have not expanded on what these constraints actually are. I am disappointed with Transport Scotland saying that it is not possible to maintain a single lane of traffic as requested and also stating that 24-hour working is not feasible at this location, especially given the predicted length of time of the roadworks.”
Murdo continued: “As my constituents have pointed out, this work will be taking place over a very lengthy period when there will be major events such as Pitlochry Highland Games, the Heartland Festival, the Replay Festival, the Pitlochry Youth Football Festival and the Enchanted Forest. Transport Scotland say that a ‘suitable’ alternative route will be available, involving traffic existing A9 traffic at the junction north of Pitlochry but it does not take much for traffic to become heavily congested and we are then left with long queues of frustrated motorists.
“One of my constituents described the timing of the roadworks as ‘staggering and unbelievable’ and I agree. Surely efforts could have been made to ensure that a 24-hour working schedule could be put in place during the roadworks.
“I know my constituents and local residents will agree with me saying I really hope there aren’t long tailbacks of traffic during these roadworks. I don’t feel the response from Transport Scotland will allay any concerns they had."
