The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Lucrative £70m work on A9 sparks interest
Work on Perthshire section sees more than 80 firms take a closer look
More than 80 businesses could be set to compete for work on the highly lucrative next stage of the A9 dualling project.
Transport Scotland has announced details of a £70 million contract for the Luncarty to Pass of Birnam section.
The trunk roads authority is looking for contractors to design, construct and maintain the six-mile stretch north of Perth.
Dozens of firms have already shown an interest in the work.
The job will represent the first stretch of new dual carriageway in Perthshire. A finalised route was decided following initial objections by landowners who claimed closing off access to the trunk road could cause them delays.
A deal for the upgrade, part of the overall £3 billion project, is likely to be struck next year.
A spokesman for Transport Scotland said: “We were pleased to welcome more than 80 prospective bidders to an industry day held recently.
“A contract notice was issued formally, inviting expressions of interest in the project, with the contract award expected in 2018.”
He added: “We continue to make good progress on the A9 dualling programme, with work between Kincraig and Dalraddy expected to complete this summer and more than 90% of the programme now at preferred route status.
“We are making significant strides and remain on target to deliver the A9 dualling programme by 2025.”
Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Secretary Keith Brown issued a rallying call to the construction industry during a recent event in Perth.
He said the infrastructure project – the largest in Scottish history – offered “huge potential” that must be harnessed.
In addition to the major construction works, small to medium-sized businesses will also be invited to compete to undertake advance works in preparation for future heavy construction.
Over the next eight years, contracts will be available through Transport Scotland for tasks such as site clearance, property demolition, access track construction, signage and fencing.
Mr Brown said: “This really drives home the importance of the A9 dualling to the north of Scotland.
“Transport infrastructure is a key area where improving connectivity between our cities, rural communities and centres of economic activity is vital to boosting productivity and competitiveness.”
At present, around 30 miles of the A9 between Perth and Inverness are already dual carriageway.
The £3bn dualling project will upgrade 80 miles of single carriageway between the two cities.
This really drives home the importance of the A9 dualling to the north of Scotland. KEITH BROWN