The dualling of the A9 Perth-Inverness road took another step forward yesterday with the awarding of one of the preliminary contracts.
Transport Minister Keith Brown has awarded the design contract for the 32-mile stretch between Pass of Birnam and Glen Garry to international engineering firm Jacobs.
It is the second of three large design contracts for the dualling scheme, each estimated to be worth between £40million and £60million.
Mr Brown said: “I am proud that I am part of the only government to commit to dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness.
“This second major contract is another step forward for this mammoth project, and underlines our determination to bring forward benefits to road users as soon as we can.
“This multi-million pound investment also complements other work being progressed on the ground to improve the safety and performance of the A9, with the installation of average speed cameras for implementation this October and ground investigation work is also progressing well on the Kincraig-Dalraddy scheme, which we expect to begin construction in 2015/16.”
Subject to the mandatory standstill period, Jacobs will start work on the section of the road nearest to Perth next month.
A vital part of the work is engaging with communities that may be affected by the road upgrade. As with the first design contract, Jacobs will have a dedicated team to build relationships with local people and help guide them through the design and development process.
The third and final design contract to dual the A9 between Dalraddy and Inverness is expected to be awarded by the end of the year.
The design contract for the 26-mile stretch of the A9 between Glen Garry and Dalraddy was awarded to CH2MHill/ Fairhurst in April.
The Scottish Government has pledged to dual all the remaining 80 miles of single carriageway sections of the A9 by 2025 at a cost of £3billion.
Mr Brown said: “Make no mistake, the Scottish Government wants to see improvements delivered as soon as possible and we are doing everything possible to bring forward elements of the scheme.
“We remain on track to deliver half of the 80 miles of new upgraded road by 2022, with completion expected by 2025.”