Ground tests start for £3bn A9 dualling

Ground investigation is now under way to signal the start of an 80 mile upgrade one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Scotland’s history.

Initial work to dual the A9 was paid a visit by Finance Secretary John Swinney (pictured) as the Scottish Government move towards expected start of construction in 2017.

Swinney said: “This is a momentous moment as ground works get underway on this 80 mile upgrade. This will be one of the infrastructure projects in Scotland’s history and I am delighted that the Scottish Government is delivering on this commitment dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness by 2025.

"As a clear signal of that commitment, we are hitting the ground running by starting the important ground investigations for one of the first sections to be dualled.

“This will give us the information we need to progress the draft Orders next year so that we can start construction in 2017.

“Infrastructure investment like the A9 dualling programme is fundamental to delivering sustainable economic growth, supporting jobs and enabling businesses to grow. The programme is expected to generate hundreds of jobs as it moves from design, procurement and then to construction.

“The £3 billion complex and challenging programme will be one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Scotland’s history. The sheer scale of it means that it will require in depth planning and design to ensure that we deliver the right project at the right price and keep impacts on communities, business and the environment to the absolute minimum.

“So we are moving ahead with our plans which will bring benefits for local communities, road users and businesses including improved road safety and journey times and reduced times for businesses transporting goods and services.”