A major step towards completing the long awaited dualling of the A9 has been announced, with £220 million earmarked for improvements between Pitlochry and Killiecrankie.
Scottish Government Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn confirmed on Tuesday 20 October that Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd has been selected as the intended contractor for the 6.4km section, subject to the successful completion of a mandatory standstill period.
The announcement brings the fifth A9 dualling project closer to construction, promising safer journeys, improved connections and new economic opportunities along one of Scotland’s most important roads.
For Highland residents and businesses who depend on the A9, the progress will be welcomed as another step towards delivering improvements that have been anticipated for many years.
The project will introduce new sections of dual carriageway, junctions designed to separate joining and crossing traffic, improved walking and cycling routes and measures to reduce flooding risks.
It forms part of the Scottish Government’s wider £3.97 billion investment programme to dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness.
The government says the Pitlochry to Killiecrankie section will help achieve its target of having 50% of the route dualled by 2030.
Beyond the road improvements themselves, the contract is expected to bring considerable benefits to the surrounding economy.
Around 60 new full time equivalent jobs are anticipated, alongside opportunities for 17 graduates, 11 apprentices and eight people entering the industry.
Local businesses could also benefit, with approximately £33 million in opportunities expected for smaller companies and suppliers working with the project.
The contractor has additionally committed £350,000 in social value investment, together with 300 hours of volunteering for community projects and another 300 hours of school and STEM activities.
Stephen Flynn said:
“This contract award marks another significant milestone in the Scottish Government’s £3.97 billion investment to dual the A9.
“This is an investment in Scotland’s future.
“Alongside delivering a safer and more resilient A9, this contract will create jobs, develop skills, provide opportunities for local businesses and invest directly in the communities it serves.
“By continuing to invest in the A9, we are improving connections between communities, supporting economic growth across the Highlands and helping to build the infrastructure Scotland needs to prosper for generations to come.”
Preparatory work is already taking place around Pitlochry and Killiecrankie, including archaeological investigations, tree felling and the demolition of vacant buildings.
Once the contract is formally awarded, Wills Bros will begin mobilisation and detailed construction planning.
The company will also arrange Meet the Contractor events, giving nearby communities an opportunity to learn about the design, planned construction work and likely disruption.
Transport Scotland says residents and road users will continue to receive information about traffic management arrangements as the scheme progresses.
The wider A9 programme remains scheduled for completion by the end of 2035, with several sections still requiring construction.
For those travelling regularly between the Highlands and central Scotland, today’s announcement represents another tangible step towards a safer and more reliable route.
The contract has not yet been formally awarded, but its progression brings another substantial section of the A9 closer to the start of major construction.
