Momentum is building on one of Scotland’s most important transport projects as procurement begins on the next stage of the A9 Dualling Programme.
Transport Scotland has published the formal contract notice for the Pitlochry to Killiecrankie section, opening the door to contractors and supply chains to bid for the £205 million project, which is expected to be awarded next autumn.
The scheme will transform one of the busiest stretches of the Perth to Inverness route, with work expected to be complete by the end of 2030.
This section is the fifth to move forward and will be delivered using the updated NEC4 Engineering and Construction contract model, designed to create a more balanced sharing of risk between parties.
By the time this stage opens to traffic, almost half of the A9 between Perth and Inverness will have been dualled, significantly improving safety, resilience and journey times.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said the milestone reflected the Scottish Government’s commitment to delivering the full dualling programme.
“This news demonstrates the momentum building now to dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness,” she said.
“We are delivering on the commitments set in our delivery plan laid out in 2023 and this year we are really seeing work ramp up, with a further key milestone expected later this year on the use of the Mutual Investment Model for the remaining sections of A9 dualling.
“We will continue to achieve what we set out in 2023 to deliver a safer A9 for Scotland.”
The project will include nine new or upgraded bridges, among them a substantial new crossing of the River Tummel, a new bridge alongside Clunie Bridge over Loch Faskally and a new rail bridge over the Highland Mainline.
Provision for active travel is also at the heart of the scheme, with safe crossings and improved access planned for walking, cycling and wheeling routes, including the popular Rob Roy Way.
Joel Morrison, Transport Scotland’s Project Manager for the section, said the upgrade would bring wide-ranging benefits.
“This contract will make the A9 more resilient and safer and will develop and upgrade active travel routes in the area, making them safer and more enjoyable for the local community and tourists,” he said.
“We look forward to working with contractors over the next year to deliver the best value for money through our procurement process for this next exciting section of dualling.”
A virtual industry briefing earlier this month attracted significant interest, with award of the contract expected in autumn 2026.
