The framework agreement for the remaining stages of the A9 Dualling Programme remains on track, with completion expected by the end of 2026, Scotland’s Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn has confirmed.
Speaking at a stakeholder event in Inverness, Mr Flynn reiterated the Scottish Government’s commitment to completing 50% of the dualling programme by 2030 and the full route between Perth and Inverness by 2035.
The event brought together representatives from businesses and stakeholder organisations across the Highlands to discuss progress on the long-running infrastructure programme.
Mr Flynn said one of the first matters he had considered after taking office was the proposed framework agreement, valued at almost £2 billion, intended to support delivery of the remaining sections of the route.
He also highlighted progress on the 6.4km Pitlochry to Killiecrankie section, a project with a construction contract valued at approximately £220 million.
The Scottish Government has announced its intention to award the contract to Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd, subject to completion of the mandatory standstill period.
The scheme is the fifth section of the A9 Dualling Programme to progress towards construction and is expected to contribute towards the target of having half the route operating as dual carriageway by 2030.
Mr Flynn said:
“I think for everyone in the Highlands, if they have the opportunity to travel on the A9, they’ll see for themselves that this is no longer just words, it is action.”
He also acknowledged the challenges associated with delivering a major infrastructure programme, including disruption to road users and surrounding communities.
“There’s constant and positive engagement going on between Transport Scotland, the developers themselves and community stakeholders.
“When you talk about a project of this scale there’s always going to be disruption, but what we can do to minimise that we will.”
The A9 Dualling Programme aims to upgrade the remaining single-carriageway sections of the route between Perth and Inverness, improving road safety, journey reliability and connectivity across the Highlands.
Two sections are already operational as dual carriageway: Kincraig to Dalraddy, which opened in 2017, and Luncarty to Pass of Birnam, which opened in 2021.
The current delivery programme also includes the Tomatin to Moy and Tay Crossing to Ballinluig sections, which are under construction.
The Scottish Government’s revised programme retains the target of completing the full 177km dualling programme by the end of 2035, with delivery of the remaining sections supported by a rolling programme of procurement and construction.
(Picture: Transport Scotland)
