Scottish Government Shortlists Firms for £3 Billion A9 Dual Carriageway Upgrade
Three firms have been shortlisted for a £3 billion project that promises to transform Scotland’s road infrastructure, specifically focusing on the long-awaited A9 Dualling scheme.
This project, one of the largest of its kind in the UK, will convert a 77-mile stretch between Inverness and Perth into a dual carriageway. The Scottish Government has named Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd, Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd, and John Graham Construction Ltd as the finalists in the tender process for the next section, a 6-mile stretch between Tomatin and Moy.
The project, which carries a hefty price tag of nearly £185 million (roughly US$241.4 million) for just this section alone, has seen a decade of delays, but is now back on track with a new completion target of 2035. This ambitious infrastructure upgrade is essential for improving traffic flow, reducing accidents, and boosting economic growth in the Highlands.
Scotland’s A9 Artery in Need of an Upgrade
The A9, one of Scotland’s most important transport routes, connects the cities of Inverness and Perth through a scenic yet often perilous single-carriageway road. It’s a lifeline for both tourism and freight, but the increasing volume of traffic over the years has made this stretch of road a dangerous bottleneck. With frequent accidents and long traffic delays, the need for a modern, dual carriageway has never been more urgent.
Originally planned for completion by 2025, the project faced numerous setbacks—ranging from funding shortfalls to environmental assessments and logistical challenges. However, with a renewed commitment from the Scottish Government, the race is now on to get this essential upgrade back on track.
“The A9 is a critical route for Scotland’s economy, linking key areas of the Highlands with the rest of the country. Modernising this road will not only improve safety but also drive significant economic benefits,” said a spokesperson for the Scottish Government’s Transport Scotland.
Balfour Beatty Secures Key Section
One of the key milestones in this ambitious project is the Tomatin to Moy section, where Balfour Beatty has already secured a contract valued at £185 million. This 6-mile stretch is particularly challenging due to its rugged terrain and proximity to sensitive environmental sites. Nevertheless, Balfour Beatty, a veteran in civil engineering projects across the UK, has committed to delivering the work by the end of 2027.
In this section, the engineering firm will widen the road, improve junctions, and construct new bridges to ease congestion and enhance safety for motorists. While this may sound straightforward, the challenges posed by Scotland’s unpredictable weather, along with the sensitive ecosystems surrounding the A9, will test the company’s expertise and resilience.
Delays and New Deadlines
The A9 Dualling scheme has been broken down into several phases, each with its own timeline and specific challenges. After the completion of Tomatin to Moy by 2027, attention will shift to the following sections:
- Tay Crossing to Ballinluig – Expected by the end of 2028.
- Pitlochry to Killiecrankie – Due by the end of 2030.
- Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing – Targeted for the end of 2032.
- A9 North (Crubenmore to Kincraig and Dalraddy to Slochd) – Scheduled for the end of 2033.
- A9 Central (Killiecrankie to Glen Garry, Glen Garry to Dalwhinnie, and Dalwhinnie to Crubenmore) – With a completion date no earlier than 2035.
This phased approach reflects the enormity of the task. The terrain, environmental regulations, and community consultations add layers of complexity to the project. However, the end goal remains the same: providing a safer, faster, and more efficient route for both local residents and the thousands of tourists who visit the Highlands each year.
Community Impact and Environmental Considerations
The impact on local communities and the environment has been at the forefront of planning for the A9 Dualling scheme. Extensive consultations have taken place to ensure minimal disruption during construction. Local businesses, farmers, and residents have voiced concerns about potential delays and detours, but Transport Scotland has emphasised that every effort will be made to maintain accessibility during the works.
On the environmental front, this project will traverse some of Scotland’s most scenic landscapes, including areas home to protected species. Environmental impact assessments have been conducted to ensure compliance with both UK and EU regulations. Conservation groups have worked alongside the construction teams to minimise any negative effects on local wildlife.
In a statement, Transport Scotland, said: “We’re committed to delivering this project in an environmentally sustainable manner. We’ve conducted rigorous environmental impact assessments and will continue to work with conservation organisations throughout the construction phase.”
A Boost for the Highlands
One of the key drivers behind the A9 Dualling scheme is the economic uplift it promises for the region. The Highlands, though stunningly beautiful, has long suffered from poor infrastructure, which in turn has hindered growth in areas such as tourism, logistics, and local enterprise.
The upgrade to a dual carriageway is expected to have a transformative impact, reducing travel times, boosting tourism, and making it easier for local businesses to move goods in and out of the region. The improved road network will also help attract more investment to the Highlands, creating jobs not only during the construction phase but long after the road is complete.
“The A9 upgrade is a game-changer for the Highlands,” said a local business leader. “It opens up new opportunities for growth and makes this part of Scotland much more accessible. It’s not just about getting from A to B quicker; it’s about making the region more attractive for investment and tourism.”
What’s Next for the A9 Dualling Scheme?
With contracts now being awarded and timelines set, the A9 Dualling project is finally moving forward after years of delays. The road ahead is not without challenges—financial, logistical, and environmental—but the Scottish Government remains committed to completing the project by 2035.
For Scotland, and particularly for the Highlands, the completion of the A9 upgrade represents a monumental leap forward in connectivity and economic potential. As the remaining phases of the project are tendered and awarded, the vision of a modern, dual-carriageway A9 is slowly but surely becoming a reality.
This project, once seen as an unreachable goal, is now back on track, thanks to the collaboration of government bodies, private firms, and local communities. By the time the final section is completed, the A9 will not only be safer and more efficient but also a symbol of Scotland’s commitment to sustainable, future-proof infrastructure.
A Bright Future for Scotland’s Infrastructure
The A9 Dualling project is more than just a road upgrade; it’s a transformative initiative that will change the face of Scotland’s transport infrastructure for generations to come. With improved safety, economic growth, and environmental sustainability at its core, this project reflects Scotland’s forward-thinking approach to infrastructure development.
As the project progresses, the collaboration between public and private sectors will ensure that the A9 becomes a symbol of what modern infrastructure can achieve when designed with long-term benefits in mind.
