The shortlisted contractors who will be invited to bid for the contract to upgrade approximately 5 miles (8.2km) of the A9 to dual carriageway between Tay Crossing and Ballinluig are:

• Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd
• Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd
• John Graham Construction Ltd

The announcement comes just weeks after the contract for the A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy project was awarded to Balfour Beatty.

Speaking at a site visit in Tomatin, Ms Hyslop said: “Today’s announcement demonstrates this government’s unwavering commitment to progressing our A9 Dualling delivery plan to complete dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness by the end of 2035. Shortlisting contractors for the Tay Crossing to Ballinluig project is the next step in the procurement process and we expect to award this contract in Summer 2025.

“Today I met with Balfour Beatty, the contractor responsible for construction of the Tomatin to Moy project. I have seen at first-hand the complex nature of the work required to deliver this construction contract.

“When construction gets underway in earnest on this section, it will roll continually until the A9 between Perth and Inverness is fully dualled. The Tay Crossing to Ballinluig project will be the next section to reach construction.

“We are committed to delivering a safe, reliable, resilient and dualled A9 between Perth and Inverness in line with our published delivery plan, which anticipates dualling to be operational by the end of 2035. Whilst the magnitude and complexities of this work are considerable, there will be no let up on progressing the dualling Programme.”

In addition to enhanced journey time reliability and safety for all road users, including non-motorised users through improvements to existing and provision of new cycle and pedestrian routes, and enhanced connections to public transport and active travel facilities, the project is also expected through the A9 Dualling Social Value Programme to:

Tackle climate change through:

• incentivising decarbonisation within construction though the contract and procurement process;
• carbon reduction targets;
• prioritising the use of electric/low or zero carbon emissions vehicles on site, where possible;
• use of renewable energy sources, wherever possible, to power site office and compound facilities.

Drive inclusive economic growth by:

• strengthening connectivity;
• reducing journey times and improves journey time reliability.

Leave a lasting legacy for local communities by:

• providing training opportunities;
• fair working practices and promotion of equality and wellbeing for all people working on the project;
• supporting small and medium sized enterprises through local subcontract opportunities;
• maximising opportunities for Supported Businesses and Social enterprises; and
• providing educational benefits to local schools through initiatives such as Academy 9 programme.