Commissioned by cabinet secretary for transport Fiona Hyslop, the report was to consider whether to prioritise sections of the A9 Dualling Programme either on the basis of the safety record of the sections concerned, or on the basis of sections which would result in lengthy diversions should a road closure be required, or to accelerate the programme. 

The request for this new report was referred to in the A9 Inquiry Petitions Committee Report following a request from a meeting with MSPs and this is the Scottish Government’s fuller response. 

It recommends that the current schedule for the delivery plan be maintained, as it achieves overall completion of the dualling programme earlier than could be achieved if works were rescheduled.

The report also recommends that the delivery plan is not accelerated, because of the likelihood that this would negatively impact procurement, construction, supply chains and increase disruption for road users. Acceleration would also likely risk price increases, due to increased competition for resources.

The report highlights that there may be an opportunity, subject to further assessment and the availability of capital funding, to bring forward construction of the improved Dalnaspidal Junction by means of an advance works contract, involving the extension of the existing Glen Garry dual carriageway north by approximately 1km. 

Cabinet secretary for transport Fiona Hyslop said: “This report considers proposals that the delivery plan for the A9 Dualling programme be rescheduled and/or accelerated. That plan was developed to balance market capacity, impacts on road users and challenging financial constraints and it provides much-needed certainty for road users, local communities and the construction industry on when works all along the A9 are expected.

“I appreciate that there are a range of views on how completion of the dualling programme should be achieved. I believe that the report demonstrates that the delivery plan is a robust and practical approach to undertaking this large programme of work in the years ahead, and the Scottish Government remains fully focused and committed to taking these projects forward as set out in that plan. This is supported by a Cabinet decision to prioritise completion of the A9 dualling programme within our available budgets.

“We are already making real progress in delivering on the plan. In the next few months, I expect to see main construction work start on the Tomatin to Moy project, publication of draft Orders for the Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing project, contract award for the Tay Crossing to Ballinluig project and commencement of procurement for the Pitlochry to Killiecrankie project.

“In parallel with this, we expect to complete works on the £5m package of short-term measures by the end of March this year, and the A9 Safety Group will continue to work together to explore any measures to positively influence driver behaviour to help reduce the numbers of people being injured or killed on the road.

“However, I have asked Transport Scotland to assess the potential to undertake an advance works contract for the Dalnaspidal Junction, as recommended in the report.  I am wholly committed to progressing the A9 dualling programme, to listening to and keeping Parliament and local residents, businesses and communities informed of and engaged with our delivery plan. Where improvements can be made, within budget, which enhance delivery and/or the timetable, then we will make them.”