Contractor wanted for next phase of £3 billion A9 dualling project

THE procurement process for the most northerly section of the Scottish Government’s £3 billion programme to dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness has been launched.

The £115 million contract will involve the dualling of the section of road between Tomatin and Moy.

Commenting on the publication of the contract notice, minister for transport, Graeme Dey, said, “Creating employment and training opportunities that benefit the people and communities surrounding this project is a key focus for this significant investment in Scotland’s infrastructure that intends to deliver improvements that bring economic, social and environmental wellbeing to the area.

“This new construction contract will help deliver our shared vision for Scotland – a sustainable, inclusive, safe and accessible transport system, helping deliver a healthier, fairer and more prosperous Scotland for communities, businesses and visitors. It will also set out new aspirations for carbon reduction in construction and revitalise employment opportunities through a wide range of skills and training initiatives and educational engagement, throughout the duration of the construction phase.

“Today’s announcement is welcome news for the Scottish construction and tourism industries, as well as the communities which line the route. This project will help stimulate economic growth aiding Scotland’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. I have no doubt this new contract will build on the excellent work that our teams have achieved to date, and in doing so, will continue to unlock far reaching sustainable benefits through the delivery of this significant/ infrastructure project.”

Transport Scotland added that it anticipates that the contract for the third phase of dualling will be awarded in the second half of 2022.