Work scheduled for next phase of A9 dualling scheme

Transport chiefs are getting ready to begin work on the next local phase of the £3 billion A9 dualling project.

Construction on the Luncarty to Pass of Birnam section of the route is expected to go ahead later this year.

The announcement was made as the scheme reaches a new milestone, with draft orders confirmed for the five-mile stretch between Tomatin and Moy.

This is the most northerly section of the dualling programme and locals and road users will get a chance to see the plans at public exhibitions in Tomatin next month.

Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Keith Brown said: “The Scottish Government is committed to dualling the A9 between Perth and Inverness by 2025, one of the biggest transport infrastructure projects in Scotland’s history, and we remain on target to meet that commitment.

“Our ambitious programme will bring many benefits for road users, communities and businesses who live along or use this important route between central Scotland and the Highlands and Islands.”

He said: “The work is continuing across the route and road users are benefiting from the new dualled stretch between Kincraig and Dalraddy which opened to traffic last year. Advance works are already underway on the next section to be dualled between Luncarty and Pass of Birnam and we expect to get construction under way in the coming months.

“We published draft orders for four sections last year and today marks a further significant milestone in our plans with draft orders being published for the most northerly section of the A9 to be dualled between Tomatin and Moy.

“We expect to publish draft orders for further dualling projects over the coming months.”

A hearing took place in June 2015 after objections to the Luncarty-Birnam phase. Work was allowed to go ahead after an agreement was struck with main objector Network Rail.