The first section of dual carriageway to be constructed as part of the Scottish Government’s A9 dualling programme has now fully opened to traffic.
All remaining traffic restrictions were lifted at the weekend to allow vehicles full access to the new £35m 7.5km section between Kincraig and Dalraddy.
Transport Scotland said the road splits up what was the largest section of single carriageway between Perth and Inverness.
It said the benefits of the new section include ‘safer overtaking opportunities, shorter journey times, less congestion and a better all-round experience’.
Keith Brown, cabinet secretary for economy, jobs and fair work, said: ‘Drivers will welcome having access to an additional section of dual-carriageway, which is the first of many to come as part of the A9 Dualling Programme.’
He added: ‘We expect to be awarding the contract for the Luncarty to Pass of Birnam section in the first half of 2018 as we press on with our programme to build a fully dualled A9 between Perth and Inverness.
‘This project will open up our country for trade and tourism, delivering significant economic benefits.’
The Kincraig to Dalraddy section was delivered by Wills Bros Civil Engineering and John Paul Construction as part of a joint venture. One carriageway of the new section was completed in September 2016 and used by traffic in both directions.
Transport Scotland said that ‘as is usual for projects of this size and type’, the contractor will remain on site for a period after the removal of the main traffic management in order to undertake necessary finishing, snagging and landscaping works.
