A9 dualling: Public inquiry launched after objections to £478m section

by Kevin Borras

A public local inquiry has been launched due to the number of objections to the proposed £478m Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing section of the £3.7bn A9 dualling programme in Scotland.

Objections have been submitted to four separate planning applications relating to the project and have not been withdrawn, says STV.

Transport Scotland said that it is now working to “properly consider all matters raised by objectors and to resolve these where possible”.

In March tjhe Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Department (DPEA) was asked to consider four applications connected to the A9 dualling project:

The A9 Trunk Road (Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing) (Trunking) Order
The A9 Trunk Road (Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing) (Side Roads) Order
The A9 Trunk Road (Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing) Compulsory Purchase Order
The A9 Trunk Road (Pass Of Birnam To Tay Crossing) (Extinguishment Of Public Right Of Way) Order.

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said:

“Draft Orders and the Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing section of the A9 Dualling Programme were published for public consultation on May 30, 2025. Transport Scotland has been working to properly consider all matters raised by objectors and to resolve these where possible.

“Given the number of objections received a public local inquiry will be required to consider objections received and not withdrawn.

“Construction of the proposed scheme can only commence if it is approved under the relevant statutory authorisation process.”

The DPEA will appoint an independent reporter who will oversee the inquiry process.

A Scottish Government spokesperson for the DPEA said: “The applications have been referred to the Scottish Government under the Roads Scotland Act given that objections have been received and not withdrawn. Information on the cases is being compiled and will be published on the site in due course.”

Draft Orders and the Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the five-mile Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing project went out to consultation on May 30, 2025 and the statutory consultation period closed on 25 July 2025.

(Picture: Mapillary)