Construction is now fully underway on the ambitious A9 dualling project between Tomatin and Moy.
The £185 million upgrade marks the third major section of the A9 to be tackled as part of the Scottish Government’s long-term plan to dual the route between Perth and Inverness.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop officially opened the site compound on a visit to the Highlands, where she saw progress first-hand.
One of the biggest undertakings in the project is the realignment of the Dalmagarry Burn, where significant environmental safeguards are in place to protect local wildlife including water voles.
Over one million cubic metres of earth will be moved during the project, the equivalent of filling 400 Olympic swimming pools.
More than 30,000 tonnes of surfacing materials will be laid as part of the works.
Four major structures will be built, including new bridges and underpasses at Tomatin, Dalmagarry, Moy and Lynbeg.
Ten kilometres of new and upgraded routes will be created for cyclists, pedestrians and other non-motorised users.
A total of 41 culverts are also to be installed to ensure proper drainage throughout the stretch.
The works are being delivered by Balfour Beatty, who are also providing training and career development opportunities on-site as part of the project’s Social Value Programme.
Ms Hyslop met two graduates working on the project, hearing how the experience is helping shape their early careers in engineering and construction.
The Cabinet Secretary also took part in a Bridge to Schools event with pupils from Strathdearn Primary, who constructed a 13-metre cable-stayed bridge while learning about engineering principles and future career options.
She praised the positive impact the project is already having on local young people, highlighting the importance of STEM education in Scotland’s future workforce.
Ms Hyslop welcomed the momentum across the wider A9 Dualling Programme, as the government published a Prior Information Notice for the next section between Pitlochry and Killiecrankie.
This fifth section will soon go out to procurement, further underlining the commitment to full dualling by 2035.
Transport Scotland’s Stuart Baird said the team is working closely with Balfour Beatty to keep disruption to a minimum during the build.
He thanked local communities and road users for their ongoing patience and support.
The A9 Dualling Programme is aimed at improving road safety, cutting journey times and easing congestion through better overtaking opportunities.
This latest progress brings the dream of a safer, faster, dualled A9 one step closer to reality.
