Construction of three new sections of road on the 132km A9 dualling programme between Perth and Inverness will begin within three years, Transport Minister Keith Brown announced.

Stretches of the road measuring 10.5km between Pitagowan and Glen Garry, 8.3km between Dalwhinnie and Crubenmore and 9.3km between Tomatin and Moy are the latest to get start confirmation on the £3Bn dualling project.

“We pledged to bring forward elements of the scheme wherever we can and we are delivering on that,” Mr Brown said.

The project, planned for full completion by 2025, will be divided into 12 distinct schemes where originally there were nine, allowing three new sections of the route – totalling 28.1 km – to be accelerated.

Mr Brown added: “To remove any uncertainty for local communities, we have recommended that the whole dualling programme should follow a 200 metre wide corridor along the existing route rather than introduce any new road alignments.

“We will consult on the new route options to hear views and get a local perspective.”

Draft proposals were also published last week for one of the busiest sections of the A9 – a 9.5 km stretch between Luncarty and Pass of Birnam, while the publication of a new landscape policy will ensure environmental protection.

Scottish Natural Heritage head of operations Nick Halfhide said: “The A9 passes through many sensitive areas for wildlife and their habitats, which will clearly need to be taken into account in the dualling project.”

(Photo: Inverness Trucker)

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