A9 dualling project moves forward

4th July 2010

A multi-million pound project to deliver an additional length of dual carriageway on the A9 at Crubenmore took a further step forward this week with the issuing of tenders.

The project will see construction of almost two miles of dual carriageway (2.7km) providing improved overtaking opportunities on the A9 to the north of Crubenmore, reducing journey times and improving traffic flow on this key route connecting central Scotland to the Highlands.

Transport Minister, Stewart Stevenson said: "This is an important step forward for dualling of the A9. These works complement improvements currently underway at Moy and Loaninghead, as well as a number of schemes already completed on this vital route.

"The project is a further example of our commitment to dualling the A9 on a progressive basis and will bring significant benefits to commercial and tourist traffic through more reliable journey times to and from north Scotland."

When completed, the scheme will support businesses, communities and tourism throughout Scotland by improving the access to and from Inverness and the Highlands.

The tender process is expected to be completed by Autumn 2010 and it is anticipated work can start on site soon thereafter, with an expected completion in late 2011. Some advance works may be carried out later this year.

1. The project is estimated at £7-9 million

2. Other A9 projects are progressing as follows:

* A9 Moy - the £2.3m project, currently under construction, will deliver 1.06 km of a new northbound overtaking lane, with associated drainage, surfacing and safety fencing improvements
* Loaninghead £3m joint scheme with developers to improve Loaninghead junction to accommodate traffic from new housing developments at Auchterarder
* £9.5m (estimated) Kincraig to Dalraddy (Made Road Orders & Compulsory Purchase Orders published October 2009)
* £4.2m (estimated) Slochd (Draft Road Orders / Compulsory Purchase Order to be published 2010)
* £2.7m Carrbridge (completed and opened in June 2009)
* £2.7m Bankfoot (completed and opened in August 2009)
* £15m Ballinluig (completed and opened in May 2008)