Pitlochry to Killiecrankie dualling to benefit from £220 million investment
The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Stephen Flynn, has today announced his intention to award Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd the construction contract to dual the A9 between Pitlochry and Killiecrankie.
The announcement marks the final phase in the procurement process for the fifth A9 Dualling project to proceed to construction, which, subject to the successful completion of a mandatory standstill period, will conclude with the award of the contract.
The 6.4km Pitlochry to Killiecrankie dualling project will help ensure 50% of the A9 between Perth and Inverness is dual carriageway by 2030, delivering safer, more reliable journeys, new grade-separated junctions, active travel routes and flood mitigation measures.
This £220.02 million Scottish Government investment will support economic growth across the area creating new employment opportunities, developing future skills and generating significant benefits for local communities.
The contract is expected to deliver:
- 60 new full time equivalent jobs including opportunities at a local and regional level
- 17 graduates, 11 apprentices, and 8 new entrant positions on the project, helping to develop the next generation of skilled workers.
The investment is also expected to generate around £33 million of opportunities for small and medium enterprises and suppliers local to the site, ensuring that the economic benefits of the project are felt throughout the wider supply chain.
In addition, the contractor's Social Value commitments will deliver £350,000 of investment, 300 hours of volunteering time to benefit local community projects and 300 hours of school and STEM engagement activities helping to inspire future careers, support local communities and leave a lasting legacy long after construction is complete.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport. Stephen Flynn said:
This contract award marks another significant milestone in the Scottish Government’s £3.97 billion investment to dual the A9.
This is an investment in Scotland's future. Alongside delivering a safer and more resilient A9, this contract will create jobs, develop skills, provide opportunities for local businesses and invest directly in the communities it serves.
By continuing to invest in the A9, we are improving connections between communities, supporting economic growth across the Highlands and helping to build the infrastructure Scotland needs to prosper for generations to come.
Advance works are already underway around the Pitlochry to Killiecrankie area to prepare the site for the main construction work, including archaeological investigations, tree felling and demolition of vacant properties.
Following contract award, the contractor will begin mobilisation and detailed planning for the project. As part of this process, they will host a series of ‘Meet the Contractor’ events for local communities surrounding the project, providing an opportunity to learn more about the project, including the planned work and design.
Transport Scotland will continue to keep local residents and road users informed of any traffic management arrangements through Transport Scotland and A9 Dualling Programme communications channels.