MAJOR construction works are now underway on the third section of the A9 Dualling Programme between Tomatin and Moy.
Transport Scotland said momentum also continues across the programme with the publication of a Prior Information Notice (PIN) for the fifth section, between Pitlochry and Killiecrankie.
Fiona Hyslop MSP, cabinet secretary for transport, visited the Tomatin to Moy site to formally open the compound and offices. She saw some of the works taking place to realign the Dalmagarry burn.
The works to dual the A9 between Tomatin and Moy will involve:
- Moving 1,000,000 cubic metres of material
- 32,000 tonnes material of pavement surfacing
- Construction of four structures (Tomatin Junction Underpass, Dalmagarry Bridge, Moy Bridge and Lynbeg Junction underpass)
- 10km of new and improved non-motorised user routes
- Construction of 41 culverts
The £185 million contract will also support social, economic and environmental outcomes for the local community as part of the A9 Dualling’s Social Value Programme.
The cabinet secretary met two of Balfour Beatty’s graduate members of staff working on site to hear about the experience they are gaining from the project, and attended a Bridge to Schools event delivered by Balfour Beatty with pupils from Strathdearn Primary. The event involved hands-on activities with pupils as they constructed a 13-metre long cable-stayed bridge whilst learning more about engineering principles and future careers.
Ms Hyslop said, “I am delighted that this major milestone in our A9 dualling programme has been reached. The scale of the work being undertaken on the Tomatin to Moy section is significant and it was good to see how planning has already been undertaken to address the variety of engineering challenges and to prepare the earthworks required to complete this vital project.
“It was great to hear about the benefits being gleaned by the graduates working on the site and to hear about the interesting work that they have been undertaking with our contractors on this section, Balfour Beatty. This includes work on how we can further decarbonise the project and mitigate impact on the environment as we press forward with construction.
“Seeing local primary school children benefiting from our investment today has illustrated the impact that major investment can have on our young people. I hope some of those pupils will be encouraged into a career within science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as a result of today’s event.
“This tangible progress, alongside the publication of the PIN notice for the fifth section between Pitlochry and Killiecrankie illustrates the real momentum taking place along the A9 corridor as we move forward with our delivery plan which will see the A9 between Perth and Inverness fully dualled by 2035.”
Stuart Baird, Transport Scotland’s team leader for the project, added, “We are pleased to see construction beginning in earnest, and we are working closely with our contractors, Balfour Beatty to minimise disruption to road users as far as possible. I want to thank road users and the local community and businesses for their patience whilst these vital works are undertaken.”
