Construction work to dual the A9 will begin early next year with preparatory work starting later this month.

Balfour Beatty are leading the project and later this month they will begin the construction of temporary access to work areas, erection of boundary fencing, tree removal, installation of welfare units, surveying and utility works.

They will also hold ‘meet the contractor’ events for local residents, communities and businesses with dates and venues of those to be confirmed in the weeks to come.

It is expected tha tit will take three years to dual the Tomatin to Moy section with it becoming ready for public use in spring 2028, although that is subject to change with any extension of time being granted due to circumstances outwith the contractor’s control, such as weather conditions.

Fiona Hyslop MSP, the cabinet secretary for transport, has admitted her delight that there is progress on the programme to dual the A9.

She said: “I am pleased that, as promised, the Scottish Government is delivering rapid progress on our programme to dual the A9. News that the main construction works on the Tomatin to Moy section will start in spring is welcome and I am pleased that Balfour Beatty is pressing ahead with these preparatory works. 

Fiona HyslopFiona Hyslop (Image: Handout)

“This is an important step in our contractor’s programme which should allow them to hit the ground running when main construction work starts next Spring.

“I appreciate that this means there will be some disruption locally and it is important for Balfour Beatty to engage as much as it can with the local community. I would encourage everyone living locally who might be affected to attend one of their forthcoming events.”

Preparatory works will begin on October 2 and initially it will see access to work locations taken from the local road network.

It is expected to involve traffic management measures and overnight work will be implement on the A9 from early November for around six weeks which will involve temporary two-way traffic signals and a temporary speed restriction of 30mph.

Transport Scotland is advising road users to drive with care on the A9 on the approach to the section between Tomatin and Moy whilst these traffic management measures are in place.

Transport Scotland’s Project Manager, Stuart Baird, said: “We are working closely with our contractor to minimise any disruption to traffic and will use our A9 Dualling website to keep the public and road users informed.”

David Taylor, Project Director at Balfour Beatty said: “These works will allow us to complete vital preparations for the site to provide safe access to and from the working areas.”

“Alongside these site works, we are currently planning our “Meet the Contractor” events and look forward to sharing our plans for the main works with the community. Dates and venues for these events will be advertised in the coming weeks.”

“We would like to take the opportunity to thank road users and the local communities for their patience whilst we undertake these important works.”