A9 dualling project

The 138 mile (222 km) long section between the Bridge of Allan and Inverness, via Perth, was substantially rebuilt during the 1970s and 80s. It follows essentially the same route except where it bypasses towns and villages instead of running through their centres. Between Perth and Inverness, the road has been dubbed Killer A9,{{Cite web |last=Maciver |first=Iain |date=2023-07-19 |title=Iain Maciver: Killer A9 should keep Scotland's politicians awake at night |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/opinion/columnists/5935906/a9-road-killer-iain-maciver-opinion/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Press and Journal |language=en-GB}} because of accidents and fatalities where dual-carriageway sections merge into a single carriageway; the principal cause is that motorists drive at excessive speeds to overtake lines of slower-moving vehicles before the dual carriageway ends. Dangerous overtaking manoeuvres on long single-carriageway stretches of the road are also common causes of accidents,{{cite news |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/scotlands-most-dangerous-roads.17121570 |work=Herald Scotland |access-date=11 August 2015 |date=25 March 2012 |last=Duffy |first=Judith |title=Scotland's most dangerous roads}} as well as the non-grade separated junctions along the northern sections, where drivers make a right turn across the opposing traffic flow.{{cn|date=January 2025}}

File:A9 at Dalnacardoch (8125835316).jpg between Dalnacardoch and Dalnaspidal]] The most significant alteration of the A9 route was the realignment of the route north from Inverness, crossing the Moray Firth via the Kessock Bridge, cutting through the Black Isle and back across the Cromarty Firth. This shortened the route by {{convert|14|miles|abbr=on}}, bypassing Beauly, Muir of Ord and Dingwall. Construction of the Kessock Bridge began in 1976, and it was completed in 1982.{{cite web|last1=Brocklehurst|first1=Steven|title=Life and death on the A9|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-26389280|website=BBC News (Scotland - Highlands & Islands)|access-date=13 August 2015|date=6 March 2014|archive-date=21 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621094247/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-26389280|url-status=live}}

Since 2007, the Scottish Government has given serious consideration to converting the entire Perth-Inverness section to dual carriageway with more grade separated junctions, with the initial estimated cost at £600 million.{{cite news|title=Full A9 upgrade 'to bring extra £300m into economy'|url=http://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/News/Full-A9-upgrade-to-bring-extra-pound300m-into-economy-4304.htm|access-date=11 November 2015|work=Inverness Courier|date=2 November 2007|archive-date=31 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131015910/http://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/News/Full-A9-upgrade-to-bring-extra-pound300m-into-economy-4304.htm|url-status=live}} In late 2008, the Scottish Government's transport plan for the next 20 years was announced. It brought forward planned improvements to the A9 to try to stimulate the economy and protect jobs.{{cite news|title=A9 upgrades brought forward in bid to boost economy|url=http://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/News/A9-upgrades-brought-forward-in-bid-to-boost-economy-8133.htm|access-date=11 November 2015|work=Inverness Courier|date=5 December 2008|archive-date=31 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131003543/http://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/News/A9-upgrades-brought-forward-in-bid-to-boost-economy-8133.htm|url-status=live}} This included a commitment to full dualling of the road between Perth and Inverness.{{cite book | last=Veitch | first=Kenneth | last2=Fenton | first2=Alexander | title=Scottish Life and Society | publisher=Donald | publication-place=Edinburgh | date=2009 | isbn=978-1-904607-88-5 | page=464}} Work costing a total of £8.5 million was undertaken at Moy, Carrbridge and Bankfoot. Northbound overtaking lanes were created and the carriageway was reconstructed at both Moy and Carrbridge. Junction improvements were also made at Moy and at the Ballinluig junction, south of Pitlochry.{{cite news|title=The toll road: The dangers of driving the A9|url=http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/the-toll-road-the-dangers-of-driving-the-a9-1-835049|access-date=11 November 2015|work=The Scotsman|date=21 November 2010|archive-date=26 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126134033/http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/the-toll-road-the-dangers-of-driving-the-a9-1-835049|url-status=live}}

File:A9 Average Speed Cameras (14529928538).jpgs which became operational on the A9 in Oct 2014]]

In July 2013, the Scottish Government announced a plan to install average speed cameras on the A9 between Perth and Inverness. This has been undertaken with an aim to reduce accidents and fatalities on the road, and was the second permanent average speed camera scheme in Scotland.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-23462860 |date=26 July 2013 |access-date=11 August 2015 |title=Average speed cameras for A9 from Dunblane to Inverness |work=BBC News (Scotland - Highlands & Islands) |archive-date=9 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109231145/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-23462860 |url-status=live }} Simultaneously, an increased speed limit for heavy goods vehicles from {{convert|40|mph|abbr=on}} to {{convert|50|mph|abbr=on}} was introduced to help mitigate driver frustration.{{cite web | url=https://mhf.uk.com/about-us/news-blog/hgv-speed-limits-in-the-uk | title=HGV speed limits in the UK | access-date=23 June 2024 | archive-date=13 May 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513123143/https://mhf.uk.com/about-us/news-blog/hgv-speed-limits-in-the-uk/ | url-status=live }} Both became operational in October 2014,https://www.transport.gov.scot/transport-network/roads/road-safety/{{Failed verification|date=January 2025}} before HGV speed limit increase would then apply to England and Wales on single carriageways from 40 to 50 mph.{{cite web | url=https://mhf.uk.com/about-us/news-blog/hgv-speed-limits-in-the-uk | title=HGV speed limits in the UK | access-date=23 June 2024 | archive-date=13 May 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513123143/https://mhf.uk.com/about-us/news-blog/hgv-speed-limits-in-the-uk/ | url-status=live }}

The A9 Safety Group claim that the cameras have had a "positive influence" on road users, with the number of drivers breaking the speed limit by over {{convert|10|mph|abbr=on}} decreasing by 97%.{{cite news|title=A9 average speed cameras 'have reduced speeding'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-30972743|access-date=10 September 2015|work=BBC News|date=26 January 2015|archive-date=29 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929152142/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-30972743|url-status=live}} Improvements to safety include at least 40% reduction in fatalities, and this has been attributed, at least in part, to a reduction in speeding, from 1 in 3 vehicles to just 1 in 15.{{cite news |url=https://news.gov.scot/news/3year-a9-performance-data-published-1 |date=20 April 2018 |access-date=8 October 2018 |title=Comprehensive A9 performance data published |work=Scottish Government |archive-date=9 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009132210/https://news.gov.scot/news/3year-a9-performance-data-published-1 |url-status=live }} The average speed cameras may be removed after the A9 dualling project is done.{{cite web |title=FAQs |url=http://a9road.info/resources/faq |website=A9ROAD.INFO |publisher=A9 Safety Group (a multi-agency group set up by Transport Scotland) |access-date=17 July 2024 |quote=Between Perth and Inverness, it is likely that the average speed cameras would be removed after the dualling of a particular section is complete. Judgements on this will be made as circumstances require.}}

{{see also|Killer A9}}

It has been reported that the A9 is dubbed the most dangerous road in Scotland.{{cite news |title=Where are Scotland's deadliest roads |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/homenews/23424294.argyll-bute-scotlands-deadliest-roads/ |access-date=10 September 2024 |work=The Herald |date=30 March 2023 |language=en |archive-date=10 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910124653/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/homenews/23424294.argyll-bute-scotlands-deadliest-roads/ |url-status=live }} In 2022, despite the installation of average speed cameras, 17 people died on the A9, of whom 13 were on the stretch between Perth and Inverness, where much of the route is single carriageway.{{cite news |title=Crash deaths on notorious section of the A9 reach 20-year high |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-63835914 |access-date=10 September 2024 |work=BBC News |date=5 December 2022 |archive-date=10 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910124653/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-63835914 |url-status=live }} This has meant that the number of fatalities rose to its highest level in 20 years; between 2019 and 2021, only one death was reported per year. However, this plummeted to just four deaths the following year, with half of them on single carriageway sections.{{cite web |title=A9 incidents, accidents and fatalities between January 2020 - 2024: FOI release |url=https://www.gov.scot/publications/foi-202400413802/ |website=www.gov.scot |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=16 September 2024 |language=en |archive-date=16 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916212255/https://www.gov.scot/publications/foi-202400413802/ |url-status=live }} This FOI (freedom of information) request was posted on 14 May 2024, responded 5 June 2024 before being published on 1 July 2024. Data for 2023 is provisional as of time of posting. As of July 2023, 335 people had been killed on the Perth-to-Inverness stretch of the road since 1979 (an average of 7.6 deaths per year), 59 of which occurred between 2011 and 2022 (an average of 5.4 deaths per year). The "A9 Dual Action Group" was established to bring attention to the statistics. It submitted a petition to the Scottish Parliament in December 2022, calling on the Scottish Government to follow through on its 2011 commitment to convert the remaining {{Convert|77|mi|abbr=off}}{{Cite news |date=2022-12-05 |title=Crash deaths on notorious section of the A9 reach 20-year high |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-63835914 |access-date=2024-01-24 |language=en-GB}} of single carriageway into dual carriageway by 2025.{{Cite web |last=Maciver |first=Iain |date=2023-07-19 |title=Iain Maciver: Killer A9 should keep Scotland's politicians awake at night |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/opinion/columnists/5935906/a9-road-killer-iain-maciver-opinion/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Press and Journal |language=en-GB}} In 2023, the Scottish National Party (SNP) stated that the dualling of the road would not be complete by 2025.{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Simon |date=2023-02-09 |title=SNP 'betraying' Highlands by breaking pledge to upgrade 'killer' A9 road |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/02/09/snp-a9-road-dualling-betraying-highlands-pledge/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}{{Cite web |date=2023-06-15 |title=A9 dualling failure laid bare as shovel ready sections ditched |url=https://www.ross-shirejournal.co.uk/news/a9-dualling-failure-laid-bare-as-shovel-ready-sections-ditch-317118/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=RossShire Journal |language=en |archive-date=24 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124023909/https://www.ross-shirejournal.co.uk/news/a9-dualling-failure-laid-bare-as-shovel-ready-sections-ditch-317118/ |url-status=live }}

The annual average daily traffic (AADT) of the A9 varies between Perth and Inverness from 8500 around Pitlochry, 22,500 around Perth and 37,000 around Inverness.[http://a9road.info/safety-statistics/statistics/ Statistics - Safety/Speed Limits - A9Road] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910124654/http://a9road.info/safety-statistics/statistics/ |date=10 September 2024 }} Retrieved 10 September 2024

In November 2011, the Scottish Government announced that it would upgrade the entire road from Perth to Inverness to dual carriageway.{{cite news|title=Dualling of Perth to Inverness A9 to finish by 2025|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-15932030|access-date=11 August 2015|work=BBC News|date=29 November 2011|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201084201/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-15932030|url-status=live}} The design contract was split into three lots with Lot 1 (Glengarry to Dalraddy) awarded to a CH2M / Fairhurst joint venture in April 2014.{{Cite web|title = First multi-million pound A9 Dualling design contract awarded - Ground investigation work to get underway|url = http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/news/first-multi-million-pound-a9-dualling-design-contract-awarded-ground-investigation-work-get|website = Transport Scotland|access-date = 25 November 2015|archive-date = 25 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151125234104/http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/news/first-multi-million-pound-a9-dualling-design-contract-awarded-ground-investigation-work-get|url-status = live}} Lot 2 (Pass of Birnam to Glengarry) was awarded to Jacobs in August 2014{{Cite web|title = Another multi-million pound A9 dualling contract awarded|url = http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/news/another-multi-million-pound-a9-dualling-contract-awarded|website = Transport Scotland|access-date = 25 November 2015|archive-date = 25 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151125225538/http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/news/another-multi-million-pound-a9-dualling-contract-awarded|url-status = live}} and Lot 3 was awarded to an Atkins / Mouchel joint venture in December 2014.{{Cite web|title = Young People Jobs Boost From A9 Dualling Contracts|url = http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/news/young-people-jobs-boost-a9-dualling-contracts|website = Transport Scotland|access-date = 25 November 2015|archive-date = 25 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151125234224/http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/news/young-people-jobs-boost-a9-dualling-contracts|url-status = live}}

File:Road Improvement Work on the A9 - geograph.org.uk - 5737145.jpg]]

Award of the construction contract for a preliminary section (outwith Lots 1 to 3) of the £3 billion project was awarded in June 2015. Work began on the first 5 mile (8km) section between Kincraig and Dalraddy (located just south of Aviemore) in September 2015.{{cite web |title=Work begins on dualling A9 from Inverness to Perth |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-34197501 |website=BBC News |access-date=23 June 2024 |date=10 September 2015 |archive-date=10 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910121215/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-34197501 |url-status=live }} After a slight delay, this section was opened to traffic two years later on 30 September 2017.{{cite news|title=First new stretch of A9 dual carriageway opens|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-41453388|access-date=1 October 2017|work=BBC News|date=30 September 2017|archive-date=1 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001062712/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-41453388|url-status=live}} It is an isolated stretch of dual carriageway (i.e., this section is not an extension of an existing dual carriageway or something that fills the gap, as was done for the second and third section down below). A 2+1 road section (also known as WS2+1) of the first section was removed due to the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) CD 109 requirements of having a minimum of 2km of single carriageway in between, as well as an existing bridge in the way.{{cite web |title=CD 109 - Highway link design |url=https://www.standardsforhighways.co.uk/tses/attachments/c27c55b7-2dfc-4597-923a-4d1b4bd6c9fa?inline=true |website=standardsforhighways.co.uk |access-date=24 June 2024 |archive-date=24 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624163808/https://www.standardsforhighways.co.uk/tses/attachments/c27c55b7-2dfc-4597-923a-4d1b4bd6c9fa?inline=true |url-status=live }}. The information for readers is located at para 6.4

The second section of the project was the 6-mile (10 km) section between Luncarty and Pass of Birnam, the first section of what was single carriageway just north of Perth. After having the £96 million contract awarded to Balfour Beatty in autumn 2018,{{cite web |title=Transport Scotland set to award A9 Dualling: Luncarty to Pass of Birnam construction contract to Balfour Beatty {{!}} Transport Scotland |url=https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/transport-scotland-set-to-award-a9-dualling-luncarty-to-pass-of-birnam-construction-contract-to-balfour-beatty/ |website=www.transport.gov.scot |access-date=9 July 2024 |archive-date=9 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709185517/https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/transport-scotland-set-to-award-a9-dualling-luncarty-to-pass-of-birnam-construction-contract-to-balfour-beatty/ |url-status=live }} construction works began in February 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/a9-dualling-luncarty-to-birnam-traffic-restrictions-and-overnight-closures/ |title=A9 dualling Luncarty to Birnam - traffic restrictions and overnight closures |date=22 Jan 2019 |publisher=Transport Scotland |access-date=8 July 2024}} This section was scheduled to finish in spring 2021. However, like the Kincraig to Dalraddy section, it also experienced a slight delay meaning that this section was finished in August 2021 with off-carriageway works to finish by 2022.{{cite web |url=https://www.geplus.co.uk/news/a9-dualling-milestone-met-on-luncarty-to-pass-of-birnam-scheme-04-06-2021/ |title=A9 dualling: Milestone met on Luncarty to Pass of Birnam scheme |date=4 June 2021 |publisher=Ground Engineering |access-date=8 July 2024 |archive-date=4 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604082259/https://www.geplus.co.uk/news/a9-dualling-milestone-met-on-luncarty-to-pass-of-birnam-scheme-04-06-2021/ |url-status=live }} The first two schemes combined meant that Transport Scotland has converted 11 miles (17 km) of single carriageway to dual carriageway.

Since 2022, no sections of the A9 were either upgraded or under construction. This has also occurred between September 2017 and February 2019 meaning that no major works were carried out in the whole of 2018.{{cite news |title=Why is there a row over Scotland's longest road? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-64581289 |work=BBC News |date=9 February 2023}} The project will be delivered via a hybrid approach, utilising both 'design and build' (D&B) and 'mutual investment model' (MIM) contracts.{{cite web |title=Transport Scotland {{!}} A9 dualling Perth to Inverness |url=https://www.transport.gov.scot/projects/a9-dualling-perth-to-inverness/programme-details/#75915 |website=www.transport.gov.scot |access-date=9 September 2024 |language=en}}

The third section to be upgraded is between Tomatin and Moy, also 6 miles long.{{cite web |title=Contractors shortlisted for delayed A9 Tomatin to Moy upgrade |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-67559678 |website=BBC News |access-date=23 June 2024 |date=28 November 2023 |archive-date=23 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623182729/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-67559678 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/major-progress-on-design-of-pass-of-birnam-to-tay-crossing-section-of-a9-dualling-programme/|title=Major progress on design of Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing section of A9 Dualling programme|date=20 Dec 2023|publisher=Transport Scotland|access-date=8 July 2024|archive-date=17 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240717000615/https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/major-progress-on-design-of-pass-of-birnam-to-tay-crossing-section-of-a9-dualling-programme/|url-status=live}} This is the northernmost section of single carriageway for the scheme. In November 2023, Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop announced three contractors have been shortlisted for this scheme: John Graham Construction Ltd, Sacyr UK Ltd and Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd. The £150 million contract was awarded to Balfour Beatty in July 2024 with construction set to last around three years.{{cite web|url=https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/new-tender-opportunity-launched-for-a9-dualling-tomatin-to-moy-project/|title=New Tender opportunity launched for A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy Project|date=5 September 2023|publisher=Transport Scotland|access-date=8 July 2024|archive-date=17 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240717000615/https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/new-tender-opportunity-launched-for-a9-dualling-tomatin-to-moy-project/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/next-milestone-reached-for-a9-dualling-programme/ |title=Next milestone reached for A9 Dualling Programme |website=Transport Scotland |date=9 July 2024 |access-date=9 July 2024 |archive-date=9 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709190853/https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/next-milestone-reached-for-a9-dualling-programme/ |url-status=live }} Some preparation works to this section include trees being cut down and a new railway bridge on the Highland Main Line, which were done in 2021 and 2022, ahead of the main construction work.{{Cite web |last=Robertson |first=Lauren |date=14 February 2022 |title=Preparation for A9 dualling between Tomatin and Moy gets under way |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands-islands/3954351/preparation-for-a9-dualling-between-tomatin-and-moy-gets-under-way/ |website=Press and Journal (Scotland) |access-date=23 June 2024 |archive-date=24 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624000457/https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands-islands/3954351/preparation-for-a9-dualling-between-tomatin-and-moy-gets-under-way/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=31 Aug 2021 |title=Mole cuts through railway embankment at Lynebeg in Scottish Highlands |url=https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/mole-cuts-through-railway-embankment-at-lynebeg-in-scottish-highlands |website=Network Rail |access-date=23 June 2024 |archive-date=23 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623210432/https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/mole-cuts-through-railway-embankment-at-lynebeg-in-scottish-highlands |url-status=live }} The new railway bridge is also wide enough should the Highland Main Line be doubled in the near future. This stretch is expected to start construction by the end of 2024.{{cite news |title=First Minister John Swinney vows to progress the A9 dualling |url=https://www.strathspey-herald.co.uk/news/first-minister-john-swinney-vows-to-progress-the-a9-dualling-360324/ |work=Strathspey Herald |date=4 September 2024 |language=en}} Preparatory works on this section began on 21 October 2024, and is expected to begin main construction in spring 2025.{{cite news |title=Cost of upgrading six miles of A9 near Inverness rises to £308m |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyl7kr11gyo |work=BBC News |date=16 October 2024}}{{cite news |title=Works programme confirmed for A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy with preparatory works set to start on 21 October {{!}} Transport Scotland |url=https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/works-programme-confirmed-for-a9-dualling-tomatin-to-moy-with-preparatory-works-set-to-start-on-21-october/ |work=www.transport.gov.scot}} It's also reported that the section has risen to £308 million from £254 million in July 2024 and before that, £197 million.

File:A9 in Strath Tay - geograph.org.uk - 5907045.jpg is scheduled for dualling in 2025]]

In April 2024, Transport Scotland began procurement for the 5-mile (8 km) section between Tay Crossing (aka, Jubilee Bridge) and Ballinluig project. This involved publishing a Prior Information Notice for a £155 million contract to complete this section.{{cite web |url=https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/next-milestone-for-the-a9-dualling-delivery-plan/ |title=Next milestone for the A9 Dualling delivery plan |date=16 April 2024 |publisher=Transport Scotland |access-date=8 July 2024 |archive-date=8 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240708183701/https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/next-milestone-for-the-a9-dualling-delivery-plan/ |url-status=live }} Initial ground survey and borehole samples took place for the section in 2020.{{cite book | last=Anagnostou | first=Georgios | last2=Benardos | first2=Andreas | last3=Marinos | first3=Vassilis P. | title=Expanding Underground - Knowledge and Passion to Make a Positive Impact on the World | publisher=CRC Press | date=2023-04-12 | isbn=978-1-000-95782-2 | page=1627}} In August 2024, three contractors have been shortlisted for this scheme: Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd, Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd and John Graham Construction Ltd.[https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/full-steam-ahead-on-a9-dualling-as-contractors-shortlisted-for-next-section/ Full steam ahead on A9 Dualling as contractors shortlisted for next section] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815130804/https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/full-steam-ahead-on-a9-dualling-as-contractors-shortlisted-for-next-section/ |date=15 August 2024 }} Transport Scotland. 15 August 2024 The contract is expected to be awarded in summer 2025.

If only the year is shown, it means that construction should start or finish by the end of that year. Unless stated otherwise, the source for the table is:{{cite web|url=https://www.a9dualling.scot/a9-dualling/delivery-plan/|title=Delivery Plan|website=a9dualling.scot|access-date=8 July 2024}}.

The construction project started in September 2015, and was originally scheduled for completion in 2025.{{cite news|last=Candlish|first=June|title=First contract awarded to start dualling of the A9|url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/inverness/611188/road-clear-for-start-of-a9-dualling/|access-date=11 August 2015|work=The Press & Journal|date=16 June 2015|archive-date=25 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125230706/https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/inverness/611188/road-clear-for-start-of-a9-dualling/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=A9 dualling Perth to Inverness|url=http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/project/a9-dualling-perth-inverness|website=Transport Scotland|access-date=11 August 2015|archive-date=29 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150829010517/http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/project/a9-dualling-perth-inverness|url-status=live}} but in February 2023, the Scottish Government reported that the 2025 deadline was "unachievable".{{cite news |title=A9 work will not be completed by 2025 target, minister says |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-64568406 |access-date=9 September 2024 |work=BBC News |date=8 February 2023 |archive-date=19 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919034755/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-64568406 |url-status=live }} A review from the BBC stated that the civil engineers knew that finishing the project by its original deadline of 2025 was going to be impossible for years.{{cite news|title='Years of warning' over A9 dualling timescale |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-65891110 |access-date=17 July 2024 |work=BBC News|date=14 June 2023}} In December 2023, Transport Scotland announced that this deadline has been postponed by a decade to late 2035 and announced a new delivery plan.{{cite web|title=Delivery plan for remaining A9 dualling projects announced|url=https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/delivery-plan-for-remaining-a9-dualling-projects-announced/|access-date=27 December 2023|language=en}}{{Cite news |date=2023-12-20 |title=A9 dualling project delayed by 10 years until 2035 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-67771630 |access-date=2024-08-21 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=20 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820015724/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-67771630 |url-status=live }}

Since 2022, no sections of the A9 were either upgraded or under construction. This has also occurred between September 2017 and February 2019 meaning that no major works were also carried out in the whole of 2018. Former first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon stated that the reason for the delay was because it "faced significant challenges beyond their control, including from Brexit and the Covid[-19] pandemic"{{cite news|title=Nicola Sturgeon sorry 2025 A9 dualling target cannot be met|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp44z71xd7ko|date=2024-05-29|access-date=12 July 2024|archive-date=12 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712160626/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp44z71xd7ko|url-status=live}} and apologised that the 2025 deadline cannot be met. She did not apologise because of the Scottish National Party (SNP) or because the Scottish Government "messed up". Other factors include the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, these claims were not well received by residents at the northern end of the A9, and it was pointed out that issues such as Brexit, Covid and the War in Ukraine weren't factors when the project started to slow down,{{Cite web |date=2023-02-14 |title=YOUR VIEWS: A9 dualling delay 'pathetic' – or are problems really down to drivers? |url=https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/your-views-a9-dualling-delay-pathetic-or-are-problems-r-303245/ |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=Inverness Courier |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Merson |first=Adele |date=2024-05-29 |title=A9 campaigners react to 'lame excuses' from Nicola Sturgeon over failed dualling promise |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/scottish-politics/6485514/a9-dualling-campaigners-nicola-sturgeon-apology/ |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=Press and Journal |language=en-GB}} with former First Minister, Alex Salmond, believing the project became less of a priority after he left the Scottish Government in 2014.{{Cite web |last=Merson |first=Adele |date=2024-05-08 |title=Alex Salmond: A9 dualling delay excuses are 'pathetic' |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/scottish-politics/6461753/alex-salmond-a9-dualling-excuses/ |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=Press and Journal |language=en-GB}} The first two sections of the scheme were already delayed by no more than a couple of months. Only 11 out of 90 miles of the A9 were converted to dual carriageway from 2015 to 2023, leaving 79 miles to be dualled. This means that as of January 2025, the project is far from completion. According to a 2012 report, Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, said that the "2025 [deadline] was challenging but achievable"{{cite news |title=Decade of A9 travel chaos |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13063218.decade-a9-travel-chaos/ |access-date=9 September 2024 |work=The Herald |date=27 June 2012 |language=en}}

In March 2024, Fergus Ewing, a longstanding MSP, and former minister in the Scottish Government, issued a public letter to Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop highlighting delays to the project and continuing fatalities on the road.{{cite web |url=https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/multiple-deaths-on-a9-sparks-furious-letter-from-fergus-ewin-346457/ |title=Multiple A9 deaths sparks furious letter from Fergus Ewing to the transport secretary |date=28 March 2024 |publisher=Inverness Courier |access-date=8 July 2024 |archive-date=8 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240708183230/https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/multiple-deaths-on-a9-sparks-furious-letter-from-fergus-ewin-346457/ |url-status=live }} A month prior to this, Ewing was suspended by the SNP for criticizing the party's negligence with particular emphasis on the A9 and A96 dualling delays.{{Cite news |date=2023-10-01 |title=Fergus Ewing to appeal against SNP suspension |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-66976525 |access-date=2024-11-29 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

In November 2024, the SNP announced plans to slash the national speed limit on single carriageway roads nationwide from 60mph to 50mph,{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=Kevin |date=2024-11-27 |title=Scottish Government considers reducing speed limit to 50mph on single-carriageways |url=https://news.stv.tv/scotland/scottish-government-considers-reducing-speed-limit-to-50mph-on-single-carriageways |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=STV News |language=en-GB}} causing major concern from campaigners that it would further push back dualling of the A9, or lead to the project being cancelled outright, and that a further reduced speed limit would only increase frustration and lead to more accidents.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-27 |title=Speed limit on A9 single-carriageway sections could be cut to 50mph |url=https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/speed-limit-on-a9-single-carriageway-sections-could-be-cut-t-367335/ |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=Inverness Courier |language=en}}

Plans to dual the A9 and A96 have been criticised by Patrick Harvie of the Scottish Greens, who has said the plans were incompatible with the Scottish Government's climate initiatives.{{Cite web|last=Malik|first=Paul|title=Scottish Government told continuing to dual the A9 and A96 is at odds with its 'green' budget claims|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/politics/scottish-politics/1140622/scottish-government-told-continuing-to-dual-the-a9-and-a96-is-at-odds-with-its-green-budget-claims/|access-date=2021-02-04|website=The Courier|date=12 February 2020 |language=en-GB|archive-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223173342/https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/politics/scottish-politics/1140622/scottish-government-told-continuing-to-dual-the-a9-and-a96-is-at-odds-with-its-green-budget-claims/|url-status=live}} A study in 2016 found that the dualling project would cost more to construct than it would bring in, including wider economic benefits.{{Cite web|last=|date=2020-02-18|title=The A9 dualling project – crucial for Scotland?|url=https://spice-spotlight.scot/2020/02/18/the-a9-dualling-project-crucial-for-scotland/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-11|website=SPICe Spotlight {{!}} Solas air SPICe|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313234749/https://spice-spotlight.scot/2020/02/18/the-a9-dualling-project-crucial-for-scotland/ |archive-date=13 March 2020 }} The Scottish Government was criticised by the Highland Council for stalling the project. However, in 2024, the Transport Secretary of the Scottish Government stated that Net zero Scotland would still need roads and the government had committed to continuing with the dualling project.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cglmd8818gxo |title=Net zero Scotland will still need roads, says minister |date=7 February 2024 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=8 July 2024 |archive-date=8 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240708184109/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cglmd8818gxo |url-status=live }} The First Minister John Swinney, has feared that the government may de-prioritise the project after the finance secretary warned about not being able to afford its capital commitments.{{cite news |title=Is the A9 dualling at risk due to Scottish Government cuts announced today? |url=https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/is-the-a9-dualling-at-risk-due-to-scottish-government-cuts-a-360220/ |access-date=9 September 2024 |work=Inverness Courier |date=3 September 2024 |language=en}}

The A9 runs through the site of the Battle of Killiecrankie. Expanding the road in that location will destroy some of the historic battleground. Transport Scotland said dualling the road will have "some impact" on the site.{{Cite news|date=2020-01-13|title=Campaigners fight plan to dual A9 at Killiecrankie Battlefield|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-51061943|access-date=2021-02-27|archive-date=22 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122064044/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-51061943|url-status=live}}

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{{Reflist}}

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• [https://www.transport.gov.scot/projects/a9-dualling-perth-to-inverness/ Official Transport Scotland website project]
• [https://www.a9dualling.scot/ Other official website from a9dualling.scot]

• [https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=31386 A9 dualling - SABRE roads forum]

Category:Transport in Scotland

Category:Proposed transport infrastructure in Scotland