A major new phase of the A9 Dualling Programme has been launched with the publication of a £1.94 billion contract notice aimed at delivering the remaining sections of one of Scotland’s most important road projects.
Transport Scotland has formally invited contractors to bid for a new framework agreement that will oversee delivery of approximately 58 miles of dual carriageway still to be built between Perth and Inverness.
The announcement marks another significant step towards the Scottish Government’s commitment to complete full dualling of the A9 by the end of 2035.
The new framework has been developed following consultation with the construction industry and is designed to bring contractors into the process earlier, allowing them to help shape designs, manage risks and improve efficiency before construction begins.
Transport Scotland believes the approach will attract greater competition and deliver better value for money while supporting the timely delivery of the remaining sections.
The first project expected to be delivered through the framework will be the section between Dalraddy and Slochd.
That scheme includes new grade separated junctions at Aviemore South, Granish and Blackmount, replacing existing at grade junctions.
As well as improving road safety and reliability, the investment is expected to create jobs, apprenticeships, training opportunities and work for businesses throughout Scotland.
Economy, Tourism and Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn said:
“Commencing the procurement of this Framework Agreement today gives a clear signal to the industry and to Scotland, that we are serious about delivering the A9 Dualling.
“We have listened to the construction industry and have refreshed our delivery model to support this Government’s commitment to delivering dualling of the A9 by the end of 2035.
“This announcement today is evidence of our continued commitment to full dualling of the A9.
“I intend to build on the momentum that my predecessor Fiona Hyslop generated during her time as the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and I am confident that this framework provides what the construction industry needs to secure the delivery of this vital infrastructure programme.
“The A9 must be safe, reliable and resilient, and that is what this Government will deliver.
“The A9 Dualling Programme is about far more than infrastructure: it is about strengthening connections between the Highlands and the Central Belt, supporting economic growth, and local communities by creating opportunities for people and businesses across Scotland.”
The programme is already supporting careers in engineering and construction.
Senior Civil Engineer Konstantina Bimpou joined Transport Scotland through its graduate programme and says working on the A9 helped her achieve chartered engineer status.
She said:
“Working on the A9 Dualling Programme has been a hugely rewarding experience for me.
“I started work on A9 Dualling as a graduate as part of Transport Scotland’s graduate training scheme and that experience helped me gain the necessary skills to become a chartered engineer.
“This programme is creating real opportunities for people, helping to build skills and careers while delivering essential infrastructure.”
Around 80 miles of the route between Perth and Inverness are being upgraded as part of the programme.
More than 10 miles are already dualled, a further 11 miles are under construction and another major section between Pitlochry and Killiecrankie is expected to be awarded later this year.
The Scottish Government says half of the route will be dual carriageway by the end of 2030, rising to full completion by the end of 2035.
For Highland communities, businesses and road users, the latest investment signals continued momentum behind a project that has long been regarded as one of Scotland’s most important transport priorities.
