Transport Scotland has launched the procurement process for a £1.94bn framework that will deliver the remaining 58 miles of the A9 dualling programme between Perth and Inverness.
The move marks a significant change in how the project will be delivered, with Transport Scotland abandoning its previous contract-by-contract tendering model in favour of a framework approach designed to accelerate delivery and improve collaboration with the construction industry.
Under the new strategy, contractors will be appointed to a long-term framework and engaged much earlier in the development process through an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) model. The approach is intended to improve buildability, reduce delivery risks and achieve better value across the remainder of the programme.
The framework will cover the final five sections required to complete the long-planned upgrade of the A9, one of Scotland’s most important transport corridors linking the Central Belt with the Highlands.
The procurement process is expected to be completed before the end of 2026. The first contract awarded through the framework will be the Dalraddy to Slochd section, located north of Aviemore. The project includes the replacement of three existing at-grade junctions with grade-separated junctions at Aviemore South, Granish and Blackmount, improving safety and traffic flow along the route.
Stephen Flynn, cabinet secretary for economy, tourism and transport, said: “Commencing the procurement of this Framework Agreement today gives a clear signal to the industry and to Scotland, that we are serious about delivering the A9 Dualling.
“We have listened to the construction industry and have refreshed our delivery model to support this Government’s commitment to delivering dualling of the A9 by the end of 2035.”
In addition to construction delivery, the framework will place a strong emphasis on social value commitments. Contractors will be expected to support skills development through training and apprenticeship opportunities, increase participation from small and medium-sized enterprises, and contribute to decarbonisation initiatives throughout the supply chain.
Several major contractors already have extensive experience working on sections of the A9 upgrade programme. Balfour Beatty completed the Luncarty to Pass of Birnam section and is currently delivering the Tomatin to Moy project. Irish contractor Wills Bros is constructing the Tay Crossing to Ballinluig section, while a joint venture between Wills Bros and John Paul Construction previously completed the Kincraig to Dalraddy stretch.
The framework is expected to attract interest from leading UK and Irish civil engineering contractors seeking involvement in one of Scotland’s largest transport infrastructure programmes.
Transport Scotland intends to announce the successful framework participants before the end of the year, with the first call-off contract for the Dalraddy to Slochd section expected shortly afterwards.
Completion of the A9 dualling programme remains a key transport objective for the Scottish Government. Once finished, the upgraded route will provide continuous dual carriageway between Perth and Inverness, improving journey reliability, increasing capacity and enhancing road safety along a corridor that plays a vital role in connecting communities and supporting economic activity across Scotland.
The Scottish Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the full dualling of the A9 by the end of 2035, with the new framework intended to provide a more streamlined and collaborative route to achieving that target.
