Efforts to deliver “one of the largest and most challenging infrastructure projects in Scotland’s history” reached a key milestone last week when construction began on a 130km dualling of the A9.

The first of 12 sections to see start of work on the £3Bn scheme is the 8km Kincraig to Dalraddy stretch, which is being upgraded by a joint venture of Wills Bros Civil Engineering and John Paul Construction.

This section – towards the southern end of the Perth to Inverness project – is due to be widened from single to dual carriageway by summer 2017. The entire scheme will be complete by 2025.

“It is no understatement to say that we are marking an important milestone in what will be one of the largest and most challenging infrastructure projects in Scotland’s history,” said Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment & Cities Keith Brown.

“When this ambitious programme is complete, enormous economic and social benefits will be felt by communities along the length of the road and beyond.”

Delivery of the £35M Kincraig to Dalraddy widening requires more than 700,000t of excavation, with the contractor set to lay over 18 hectares of new road carriageway.

A spokesperson for the Wills Bros/John Paul joint venture said: “We are delighted to see construction get under way on the A9 Kincraig to Dalraddy project and proud to have our joint venture at the forefront of this prestigious dualling programme."

Mr Brown added: “I am very proud that the Scottish Government is delivering this major upgrade and, in the weeks and months ahead, people will now see work on the ground as the road progresses.”

Photo courtsey of Transport Scotland