Transport Scotland has initiated a market consultation to gather input from the construction industry and related sectors regarding the completion of the A9 Dualling programme between Perth and Inverness.
This effort builds upon previous consultations conducted prior to the delivery plan announcement in December 2023.
The consultation also aims to collect perspectives on factors influencing the procurement strategy for the A96 Dualling Inverness to Nairn (including Nairn Bypass) and the A9/A96 Inshes to Smithton projects.
The December 2023 delivery plan for the A9 Dualling programme proposed, pending further decisions in late 2025, the use of two resource-funded Mutual Investment Model (MIM) contracts to complete the dualling of five projects between Killiecrankie and Slochd.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop emphasized the importance of this decision for the Scottish Government, noting that it should be informed by current insights from relevant market sectors.
She stated that this information is crucial for developing the procurement and construction approach for both the A96 Dualling Inverness to Nairn (including Nairn Bypass) and the A9/A96 Inshes to Smithton projects.
Hyslop encouraged participation from relevant organizations to ensure a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of industry views.
Transport Scotland is seeking feedback from various market sectors, including construction contractors interested in NEC4-based Design and Build contracts, those interested in MIM-form Design, Build, Finance, and Operate (DBFO) contracts, operation and maintenance contractors for MIM-form DBFO contracts, senior debt lenders for MIM-form DBFO contracts, and equity investors willing to collaborate with a minority public sector shareholding in special purpose vehicles for MIM-form DBFO contracts.
Organizations interested in participating should request an Expression of Interest Pro-forma between 21 February and 7 March 2025.
Eligible organizations will receive an information prospectus and details on completing online questionnaires for their respective sectors.
The deadline for submitting questionnaires is 14 March 2025.
Participants who complete the questionnaires will also have the opportunity to schedule one-on-one meetings with Transport Scotland and its advisors.
This consultation comes in the context of delays in the A9 Dualling project, which began in 2015 with an initial completion target of 2025.
As of 2024, only two sections have been completed, totaling 11 miles, with the overall project now expected to extend to 2035.
Similarly, the A96 Dualling project, originally slated for completion by 2030, has faced delays.
In November 2024, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop acknowledged the revised timeline and initiated a new consultation process.
Business leaders from Inverness and Moray have expressed concerns over these delays, urging the Scottish Government to provide a definitive timetable for the A96 project to support regional economic growth.
Colin Marr, Chief Executive of the Inverness Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the need for a firm commitment from the government to fulfill its promises on the A96 Dualling to ensure the region’s infrastructure supports its development.
Sarah Medcraf, Chief Executive of the Moray Chamber of Commerce, highlighted that a decade of inactivity has hindered potential economic growth, calling for immediate action to prevent further delays.
The current market consultation by Transport Scotland represents a proactive step to engage industry stakeholders in shaping the future of these critical infrastructure projects.
By incorporating industry feedback, the Scottish Government aims to develop effective procurement strategies and delivery plans that address previous challenges and expedite the completion of the A9 and A96 dualling projects.
