The £1.94 billion framework that will deliver the remaining sections of the A9 dualling programme between Perth and Inverness has entered the final stage of procurement.
Transport Scotland has formally invited five construction groups to submit tenders, with the framework expected to be concluded by the end of 2026 and used to procure the final five A9 dualling projects.
The latest step follows publication of the Contract Notice in June and an initial prequalification process to identify companies capable of carrying out the work.
Balfour Beatty Morrison Construction, Graham, Hochtief (UK) Construction Ltd, Kier Transportation Limited and Wills Brothers Civil Engineering Ltd have now been invited to tender for each of the two lots within the framework.
Once established, the agreement will provide the mechanism through which Transport Scotland procures the remaining projects required to complete dualling between Perth and Inverness.
The Scottish Government says the programme remains on course for completion by the end of 2035.
The A9 is one of the most important transport links between the Highlands and central Scotland, carrying residents, businesses, freight and visitors along the route every day.
Its long running dualling programme is intended to improve road safety, journey reliability and connectivity while supporting economic growth across the Highlands and Perthshire.
Construction is already taking place across 11 miles of the route and is supporting hundreds of jobs, including opportunities for apprentices and graduates.
The Tomatin to Moy section alone currently employs 256 people, with almost two thirds of its workforce based locally.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Transport and Tourism Stephen Flynn MSP said:
“I am pleased to see the procurement of this Framework Agreement progressing, this maintains the momentum needed to deliver the dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness by the end of 2035.
“The Framework Agreement creates a sustained programme of construction activity across the A9, providing long-term certainty for the supply chain while supporting jobs, skills and economic growth across Scotland.
“The programme is now delivering on multiple fronts, with completed sections in operation, major works underway and procurement of the remaining sections progressing providing a clear pathway to completing the dualling of the A9.”
Completion of the framework will not itself award all five remaining construction projects, but it will establish the group of contractors from which those projects can subsequently be procured.
That makes the latest stage an important step in a programme which has faced years of delays and remains one of the biggest infrastructure commitments affecting the Highlands.
For communities and businesses that depend on the A9, attention will now turn to the conclusion of the framework later this year and the awarding of the remaining contracts needed to finally complete the route.
