The contract is for an advanced phase of ground investigation of the superficial deposits and bedrock along the A9, from Pass of Birnam to Glen Garry.

The scope includes exploratory holes in soil and rock, in situ testing, high quality sampling, installation of instrumentation, laboratory testing, post site monitoring and factual reporting.

Fugro is also currently contracted to HS2 Ltd, which is developing the new high speed railway between London and Birmingham. In recent years Fugro has completed similar linear route investigations of roads, tunnels, railways, pipelines and cable routes including Crossrail, Thames Tideway Tunnel, the A1 and the A14.

The A9 passes through areas which are outstanding in wildlife and landscape terms, some of which are of national or international importance. It links Edinburgh with Thurso and is a strategic link in the Scottish trunk road network, supporting economic growth in the north of Scotland. It is proposed to dual the entire A9 between Perth and Inverness.

Infrastructure secretary Keith Brown said: “Dualling of the A9 has been talked about for decades, but I am proud that the Scottish Government is now delivering this much needed upgrade. This investment represents the most expensive transport project in Scotland’s history and presents some of the most challenging work ever undertaken.”

The ground investigations that started on 24th August between Birnam and Glen Garry will help inform the ongoing design work for the southern section of the dualling programme.