£155m A9 dualling contract

A £155m procurement contract for dualling an 8km stretch of the A9 between Dunkeld and Ballinluig is planned for summer 2025.

Transport Scotland this week published a Prior Information Notice (PIN) for the Tay Crossing to Ballinluig project, alerting construction contractors and their supply chains to the next opportunity associated with the dualling programme.

The project involves upgrading approximately five miles (8.2km) of existing single carriageway, commencing just north of the Jubilee Bridge over the river Tay and ending at the southern end of the existing dual carriageway south of Ballinluig Junction.

Highland Perthshire Independent councillor Xander Mcdade, from Ballinluig, said:“communities have had huge uncertainty for many years as to when - and if - the A9 dualling may happen. This announcement provides reassurance that work is finally being progressed and allows residents and businesses to plan accordingly.

“I hope that there are no further delays to the process as our rural communities have had to wait too long for these critical infrastructure improvements.

“The A9 dualling will have a significant impact on road safety and the economic opportunities of the Highlands, but must be the start and not the end of investment in our rural communities.”

Perthshire North SNP MSP John Swinney said:“already, my constituents are benefitting from the £96m dualling of the Luncarty to Pass of Birnam section of the A9, and I am sure that news of this further progress will be welcomed.

“This is a welcome step forward, and reaffirms the Scottish Government’s commitment to continuing the process of dualling the A9 as quickly as is reasonably possible.”

At present 35 per cent of the A9 between Perth and Inverness is dual carriageway.

Once operational, the A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy project in Invernessshire will increase this proportion to 40per cent, expected by the end of 2027.

The A9 Dualling: Tay Crossing to Ballinluig project will increase this proportion to 45 per cent, expected by the end of 2028.

In advance of the appointment of the contractor for the dualling of the A9 between Tay Crossing and Ballinluig, a programme of advance works will be undertaken in the coming months to reduce risks to the main construction contract.

They will involve ground investigation, archaeological works, environmental mitigation and utility diversions.

Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, said:“this Government is committed to dualling the A9 between Perth and Inverness and today’s publication of the Prior Information Notice for the Tay Crossing to Ballinluig project further demonstrates our commitment to the delivery plan we announced in December 2023, which aims to complete dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness by the end of 2035.

“This step builds further momentum in our progress towards increased construction activity and is further