The first of three large design contracts for the A9 dualling programme in Scotland has been awarded.Transport Scotland has announced its intention to award the contract for dualling over 43km of the stretch of the A9 between Glengarry and Dalraddy to CH2MHill/Fairhurst. Each design contract is valued at £40 to £60 million.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: “The A9 dualling programme is the most expensive transport project in Scotland’s history and presents some of the most challenging work ever witnessed.“The appointment of the first design consultancy for this mammoth project marks another significant milestone in this government’s commitment to the project – the first government to commit to dual this vital route between Perth and Inverness.“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 and 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.”The Transport Minister also announced that subject to the mandatory standstill period, Transport Scotland will award the ground investigation contract for the 8 km Birnam to Tay Crossing section to Soil Engineering.Work is expected to begin next month and last for six months.Mr Brown added: “Last month, we announced that the dualling programme would comprise 12 sections to be dualled by 2025 with three sections expected to be shovel ready in 2017, subject to completion of required statutory procedures."