Fugro GeoServices Ltd will undertake the £3.6 million contract for the Glen Garry to Dalwhinnie and Dalwhinnie to Crubenmore schemes totalling nearly 13 miles.

Work is due to get underway next month and last around three months.

Michael Matheson, cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity, said: “The A9 dualling programme between Perth and Inverness is one of the largest and most challenging infrastructure projects in Scotland’s history.

“With ground investigation works already underway on a number of sections of the route, these latest works starting next month will help inform the design work for the neighbouring schemes stretching from Glen Garry to Crubenmore.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson added: “Some of this work will take place on or near the live carriageway and in order to ensure the safety of both road workers and road users we will need to introduce traffic management arrangements.

“Road users and local communities will be kept informed of our plans and we will endeavour to ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum.”