A9 dualling timetable expected 'in the coming weeks'
This comes as a shortlist of contractors for the Tomatin to Moy part of the project is revealed by the Transport Minister
Last updated 28th Nov 2023
A new timetable for the dualling of the A9 between Inverness and Perth is set to be revealed "in the coming weeks."
Transport bosses say an update will be set out in the Scottish Parliament after it was confirmed earlier this year that the original 2025 target for dualling the 112 mile route wouldn't be achieved.
The former Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth initially said a new programme would be made public in the autumn.
This comes as a shortlist of contractors for the Tomatin to Moy part of the project is revealed by the current Transport Minister, Fiona Hyslop.
She revealed the shortlisted contractors for the upgrade of 6 miles (9.6 km) of the A9 to dual carriageway between Tomatin and Moy are: John Graham Construction Ltd, Sacyr UK Ltd and Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd.
The contract for the Tomatin to Moy stretch is then set be awarded next summer.
Commenting on the announcement, Ms Hyslop said: "Today’s announcement of the shortlisted contractors follows a significant change to the overall contract strategy for this project which uses a different contract form with a balanced share of risk between the contractor and Scottish Ministers.
"The dualling of the section between Tomatin to Moy will not only improve connectivity and safety for those using the route through the upgrading of the single carriageway, but will also include over 10km of improvements to active travel routes including new footpaths and greater connections to public transport."
In addition to the dualling of the A9, the works will also include, four new junctions and upgrading of an existing junction, construction of three new bridges, and replacement of the Moy Rail Bridge, new active travel routes and enhanced lay-bys with connections to active travel facilities and public transport including new footpaths and new bus turning facilities at Tomatin.
Scottish Transport sources say design work "is progressing on the rest of the programme."
They said: "Work to determine the most suitable procurement options for the remaining sections of the A9 dualling is now well advanced and we expect to update Parliament on a renewed programme in the coming weeks."