Contracts awarded for early design work on A9 dualling programme

24th September 2012

A9 dualling Perth to Inverness

"Work to dual the A9 by 2025 is gathering pace with the award of two major contracts this week" said Transport Minister Keith Brown today.

The Minister was speaking as he announced details of two consultants appointed to undertake preparatory work for dualling 80 miles of the A9 between Perth and Inverness.

Halcrow will carry out preliminary Strategic Environmental Assessment and Jacobs will carry out preliminary engineering work.

Mr Brown said: "This £3 billion complex and challenging programme will be one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Scotland's history and will ensure safer roads, less congestion and a better quality of life for road users and local communities.

"We are the first government to commit to a full A9 dualling programme. This commitment will deliver major economic benefits to road users, businesses, communities and industry who live along or use this important lifeline route between central Scotland and the Highlands and Islands.

"This will also be the first time that the whole A9 corridor between Perth and Inverness has been looked at. The work these contractors are undertaking will give Transport Scotland a much fuller understanding of the route and set the foundations for the detailed design.

"The project is further evidence of the Scottish Government's commitment to supporting the economy by competently delivering major infrastructure projects."

The work will also examine how the programme may be packaged into individual projects, looking at issues such as layby's, rest areas and active travel facilities including better paths for walkers, cyclists and equestrians.

As for all major infrastructure projects, Transport Scotland is committed to engaging with affected communities and businesses through a programme of consultation. As part of this we intend to hold public exhibitions in early December in venues along the route. This is an opportunity to share our understanding of the challenges we face and ensure we have a good local input right from the outset.