Near £2 billion of contracts to complete Perth-Inverness A9 dualling up for grabs
Contractors to be appointed to new ‘framework’ to complete last five sections
One of the biggest packages of Scottish transport contracts worth a total of nearly £2 billion is up for grabs to complete dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness.
Transport Scotland announced a £1.94bn “framework agreement” on Thursday to upgrade the final 58 miles of single carriageway, which is due to be completed by 2035.
It comprises nearly half the £4bn cost of the 80-mile project and compares to the £1.35bn cost of the Queensferry Crossing over the Forth, which opened in 2017.
Contractors are expected to be appointed to the framework by the end of the year to complete sections of the scheme that were originally due to be privately-financed, such as 27 miles between Dalwhinnie and Killiecrankie.
Ministers abandoned that plan in favour of traditional government funding in January, a month after The Scotsman revealed the move.
It followed the Scottish Government admitting three years ago that the project would not be finished until 2035 - ten years later than pledged.
Transport Scotland said potential bidders for the work would be involved earlier than in the past to encourage more companies to compete.
It has changed the terms of such contracts after construction firms were deterred by having to shoulder risks, which pushed up costs and led to one contract having to be re-tendered.
The Scottish Government agency said early contractor involvement would “bring expertise to optimise design, manage risks and improve constructability”.
The first contract under the framework agreement will be for some 15 miles between Dalraddy and Slochd section, including adding slip roads to two junctions near Aviemore and one near Carrbridge.
Transport Scotland explained: “Today’s announcement marks the formal start of the procurement process for the A9 dualling programme delivery framework.
“This starts a process of prequalification, following which we will shortlist contractors to tender stage. We expect to appoint contractors to the framework by the end of 2026.
“The framework is a vehicle through which the remaining five contracts yet to commence procurement will then be procured.
“Once contractors are appointed to the framework, we will commence procurement of the £553 million Dalraddy to Slochd contract in winter 2026-27.”
New Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn said: “Commencing the procurement of this framework agreement today gives a clear signal to the industry and to Scotland that we are serious about delivering the A9 dualling.
“We have listened to the construction industry and have refreshed our delivery model to support this Government's commitment to delivering dualling of the A9 by the end of 2035.
“I am confident this framework provides what the construction industry needs to secure the delivery of this vital infrastructure programme.”
David MacDonald, Scotland chair of the Civil Engineering Contractors’ Association, said: “The announcement offers greater certainty over future workloads, enabling contractors and the wider supply chain to invest with confidence in people, skills and apprenticeships.”
Construction is underway between Tomatin and Moy, which is due to be completed in spring 2028, and the Tay Crossing near Dunkeld and Ballinluig, to be finished by the end of 2028.
So far, only ten miles of new dualling have been completed - Luncarty to Pass of Birnam and Kincraig to Dalraddy - in addition to those sections added during the last major upgrading of the road more than 40 years ago.
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