Strathspey MSP welcomes A9 dualling progress
The first of three large design contracts for the A9 dualling programme, each valued at £40 million to £60 million, has been awarded.
Transport Scotland announced yesterday (Wednesday) its intention to award the contract for dualling over 43 kilometres of the stretch of the A9 between Glengarry and Dalraddy to CH2MHill/Fairhurst.
Subject to the mandatory standstill period, the joint venture design consultancy will start work on the middle section of the route next month.
Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “As well as delivering faster and more reliable journey times and road safety improvements when complete, the design work offers the prospect of steady work for many years ahead for the three successful contractors.
“There will also be many opportunities for small and medium enterprises through sub-consultancy work.
“The winning bidder has also committed to providing 35 full time roles and 28 summer placement opportunities for apprentices, work experience students and graduates, bringing much-needed opportunities for young people to gain experience working on this vital project linking central Scotland to the Highlands and Islands.”
Strathspey MSP Fergus Fergus Ewing (SNP) welcomed the progress being made. He said: “This is a further welcome step towards the SNP Government commitment to dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness. We are committed to completing this by 2025.
“This project has been at the heart of my campaigning for transport links, since I was first elected. It is especially welcome since our budget for all capital projects has been massively reduced by Westminster.
“Had the Liberal Democrats not prioritised the Edinburgh Trams project, we may have made quicker progress. But we are now pressing forward with the design work for this important stretch of dualling which will improve the road and safety massively.”
• For more details of the A9 dualling programme and the planned series of public exhibitions starting at the end of May visit: http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/road/projects/a9
