The Scottish Government has confirmed the remaining sections of the A9 Dualling Programme will be delivered using capital funding, as part of a new 2026 Delivery Plan aimed at completing the route by the end of 2035.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop MSP said the updated plan reflects a change in funding approach while maintaining the long stated commitment to full dualling between Perth and Inverness.
The 2026 Delivery Plan sets out how the remaining sections of the route will be delivered and introduces a new ordering of works designed to bring forward safety improvements in the Highlands.
Under the revised programme, work will be accelerated on three busy grade separated junctions serving Carrbridge and Aviemore, delivering safety benefits to local communities earlier than previously expected.
These junction upgrades will form part of the sixth section to enter construction in the northern section of the route between Dalraddy and Slochd.
Once this section is complete in 2032, there will be around 38 miles of continuous dual carriageway between Inverness and Kincraig.
The updated plan also brings forward work on the grade separated junction at Dalnaspidal and progress on the Aviemore to Carrbridge non motorised user route.
The Cabinet Secretary confirmed that a new Framework Agreement will be introduced to streamline procurement and provide greater certainty for delivery.
All remaining sections of the dualling programme which have yet to begin procurement will be taken forward under the proposed Framework Agreement.
Speaking following the announcement, Fiona Hyslop said the plan provides clarity for communities, drivers and the construction sector.
“This announcement maintains the Scottish Government commitment to having dualling operational between Perth and Inverness by the end of 2035.”
“Our 2026 Delivery Plan provides more detail and certainty for the market and brings forward key elements of the Programme in the North section of the Programme.
“This will be reassuring news for local communities in Aviemore and Carrbridge.
“With construction activity already taking place on 11 miles of the corridor, our plan will continue to ramp up that work, with 50% of the route between Perth and Inverness to be operating as dual carriageway by the end of 2030, rising to 67% by the end of 2032.
“With 100% dualling achieved by the end of 2035.”
The Framework Agreement will be subject to further market consultation beginning on 19 January 2026.
“It is expected the Framework will commence procurement in Spring 2026 with participants being appointed to the Framework by the end of 2026.
“This will assist in securing market capacity giving more certainty to communities and drivers that this Plan will complete dualling by 2035.”
Industry leaders have welcomed the shift to capital funding as a positive step for delivery.
David Macdonald, Chairman of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association Scotland, said the announcement provided much needed clarity.
“CECA welcome the news that the remaining A9 Dualling Programme sections will be taken forward as capitally funded contracts, providing more certainty for Scotland’s contracting industry of the opportunities available on this major infrastructure programme for Scotland.”
The A9 Dualling Programme represents one of the largest infrastructure investments ever undertaken in the Highlands.
The project will involve construction of more than 130 new structures, over 300 utility diversions, and the movement of approximately 20 million cubic metres of earthworks.
Beyond improving safety, resilience and journey reliability, the programme is expected to deliver long term economic benefits through local supply chains, apprenticeships, graduate roles and opportunities for small and medium sized businesses.
The project also includes commitments to greener construction methods, including the use of low or zero emission vehicles and detailed carbon monitoring to drive emissions reduction.
