Construction work is accelerating on the A9 as the Tay Crossing to Ballinluig section officially enters full construction.
The Tay Crossing to Ballinluig scheme is the fourth section of the A9 Dualling Programme to move into construction.
The opening of the main site compound follows the introduction of major traffic management earlier this year as work continues along the corridor.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop formally opened the site compound at Kindallachan, south of Ballinluig, marking another milestone for the project.
The Tay Crossing to Ballinluig section is expected to become operational by the end of 2028.
Site clearance work is well underway, with visible construction activity and traffic management now in place at both the northern and southern extents of the A9 Dualling Programme.
A total of 11 miles of new dual carriageway is currently under construction across the corridor.
A further 4 miles is expected to enter construction following the award of the Pitlochry to Killiecrankie contract in autumn this year.
The Scottish Government’s 2026 Delivery Plan sets out the next stages of the programme, including the Dalraddy to Slochd section in the north, which will be the next project to enter procurement.
Fiona Hyslop said the progress on the Tay Crossing to Ballinluig section is already evident.
“The progress being made on this section of A9 Dualling between Tay Crossing and Ballinluig is immediately noticeable to those driving on the A9, and the opening of this site compound marks another positive step forward for this project.
“I’ve heard more about the key engineering features on this section, including the challenging environmental and waterway landscape that the contractor will be operating within.
“After meeting some of the team local to the project, I’ve heard about the positive efforts being made to decarbonise construction operations on the project and plans for the growing workforce on site.
“Identifying innovative approaches to the climate challenge, and investing in the local supply chain and workforce is the legacy we are striving to leave with the A9 Dualling Programme.
“With our rolling programme of construction activity across the corridor, the A9 Dualling Programme will create opportunities for local businesses and provide a steady stream of job and training prospects for the people and communities served by this vital route.
“This Government is not just committed to ensuring a safer, more resilient and reliable link for the people of the Highlands, we are committed to ensuring that this major investment is felt directly within the businesses and communities that this vital route serves.”
In January, the Scottish Government confirmed that the remaining sections of the A9 Dualling Programme not yet in procurement will be progressed as capital funded contracts.
The 2026 Delivery Plan sets out a pipeline to deliver full dualling between Perth and Inverness by the end of 2035.
Under the plan, 50% of the corridor will operate as dual carriageway by the end of 2030, rising to 67% by the end of 2032 and 91% by the end of 2034.
The Tay Crossing to Ballinluig project will upgrade 5 miles of single carriageway to dual carriageway.
The scheme includes a new overbridge at Guay South and an underbridge at Kindallachan.
At peak construction, the project is expected to support more than 250 jobs across engineering, management, design and construction.
The project will provide at least 15 graduate roles and 10 apprenticeship opportunities.
More than 270 weeks of training are expected to be delivered on site for new entrants.
