Work on the A9 Dualling Programme is gathering pace as Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd is set to be awarded the construction contract for the next major stretch of the route between Tay Crossing and Ballinluig.
The £152.7 million contract marks another key milestone in the Scottish Government’s long-term plan to dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop confirmed Wills Bros as the preferred bidder, with the contract expected to be officially awarded following a mandatory standstill period.
Once complete, this section will bring the total dualling of the Perth to Inverness route up to 45 percent, with the new dual carriageway due to be open by the end of 2028.
The Tay Crossing to Ballinluig project is part of a wider £257 million investment in this part of the route, with work aimed at improving safety, journey times and local access.
As well as the core carriageway upgrade, the contract includes construction of a new side road network supporting the communities of Dowally, Guay and Kindallachan, a new overbridge at Guay South, and an underbridge at Kindallachan.
Enhanced active travel infrastructure is also on the way, with improved paths and access points designed to support walking and cycling connections across the Highlands.
Fiona Hyslop said the announcement signals clear progress in the government’s commitment to complete the A9 Dualling Programme by 2035.
“When construction begins on this section, we’ll have live dualling works underway at both the southern and northern ends of the route, a strong sign of momentum,” she said.
She added that the wider benefits of the project would be felt by local communities and businesses throughout the area.
“This investment is not just about roads.
“It’s about long-term value, safer travel, and creating positive change for people living along the corridor.”
It’s the second A9 Dualling contract to move forward since the updated delivery plan was published in 2023, with officials confident that the competitive tendering process shows strong market interest and value for money.
The full route between Perth and Inverness is on track to be dualled by 2035, with each completed section bringing Scotland a step closer to a safer, faster and more connected Highlands.
