Scotland Advances Major Road Upgrade with A9 Dualling Progress

At a Glance 

• Preparatory works commence on the A9 Dualling Tay Crossing to Ballinluig section, upgrading 8.2 kilometres of road to enhance safety and efficiency in Scotland’s key transport corridor. 

• The Scottish Government invests 257 million pounds in this phase, part of a 3.7 billion pound programme to dual 133.5 kilometres between Perth and Inverness by 2035. 

• Contractor Wills Bros Civil Engineering manages site clearance, utility diversions, and community engagement to minimize disruptions during construction. 

• The project delivers economic growth, reduces fatalities by up to 40 percent through safety measures, and cuts journey times by 20 percent across the route. 

 Scotland’s infrastructure landscape transforms as preparatory works begin on the Tay Crossing to Ballinluig section of the A9 Dualling programme. This critical upgrade addresses longstanding safety and efficiency issues on one of the nation’s busiest routes. The project upgrades 8.2 kilometers of single carriageway to dual carriageway, forming a vital link in the broader effort to modernize the A9 from Perth to Inverness. 

Project Scope and Investment 

The Scottish Government commits 257 million pounds, priced at the second quarter of 2025 levels, to this section. It integrates into the comprehensive A9 Dualling initiative, which spans 133.5 kilometers across 11 sections and carries a total cost of 3.7 billion pounds. Completion of the entire programme targets 2035, with two sections already operational: Luncarty to Pass of Birnam and Kincraig to Dalraddy, covering 17 kilometers. 

Wills Bros Civil Engineering secures the contract in summer 2025 to execute the works. The upgrade includes new junctions, side roads, and overbridges, constructed parallel to the River Tay. This design navigates environmental challenges while enhancing connectivity for local communities and businesses. 

Current Construction Activities 

Preparatory efforts start in November 2025 and extend into early 2026. Activities encompass site clearance, establishment of access points for construction traffic, tree felling, and utility diversions. A temporary site compound and office space establish between Guay and Kindallachan to support operations. 

Temporary traffic management implements between Jubilee Bridge and Ballinluig, with layouts adjusting as works progress. Transport Scotland coordinates these measures to ensure worker and road user safety. Road users receive updates through Traffic Scotland and the A9 Dualling websites. 

Community engagement forms a core component. Wills Bros Civil Engineering organizes ‘Meet the Contractor’ events for residents, communities, and businesses. These sessions detail construction plans and traffic management strategies, with dates and venues announced shortly. 

Safety and Economic Benefits 

The A9 earns notoriety as Scotland’s most dangerous road, recording 72 fatalities between Perth and Inverness from 2010 to 2022, averaging 5.5 per year. In 2022 alone, 17 fatalities occur, dropping to four in 2023 following safety interventions. Dualling introduces central crash barriers and safe overtaking opportunities, projecting 61 fewer fatalities and 37 fewer serious casualties in the first decade post-completion. 

Average speed cameras, installed in 2014, reduce excessive speeding by 97 percent, from one in three vehicles to one in 15. The programme elevates heavy goods vehicle speed limits from 40 to 50 miles per hour on single carriageways, improving flow. 

Economically, the upgrade stimulates northern Scotland. It reduces journey times by 20 percent across the Perth to Inverness route, saving approximately 26 minutes per trip. Annual economic benefits reach 210 million pounds through enhanced road reliability and safety. The project generates training, educational, and employment opportunities, fostering local growth. 

Traffic volumes underscore the need: annual average daily traffic ranges from 8,500 vehicles near Pitlochry to 37,000 near Inverness. Dualling accommodates this demand, minimizing congestion and vehicle operating costs. 

Historical Context and Programme Milestones 

The A9 Dualling launches in 2011 as Scotland’s largest transport project, initially estimated at 3 billion pounds with a 2025 completion. Delays arise from external factors, including Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and global events, shifting the timeline to 2035. Construction commences in 2015 on the first section, with the second following in 2019. 

Currently, 35 percent of the route operates as dual carriageway as of October 2025. Projections indicate 48 percent by 2030 and 85 percent by 2033. The Tomatin to Moy section, spanning 9.6 kilometers, advances under construction since May 2025, with a 308 million pound budget and 2028 target. 

The Tay Crossing to Ballinluig section ranks among the programme’s most significant, scheduled for completion by 2028. It follows compulsory purchase orders and objection resolutions to balance development with community interests. 

Industry Leaders Weigh In 

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop states, “Works are now visible across the Southern and Northern extents of the A9 Dualling Programme and this progress will continue in line with our commitment to see the A9 fully dualled by 2035. I appreciate that this may mean some disruption locally and I would encourage anyone who lives locally to attend the upcoming engagement events being held by the contractor.” 

Transport Scotland Project Manager Ruth Whillis adds, “We are working closely with our contractor to deliver these preparatory works in a way that will minimise disruption to traffic and local communities as much as possible. We are asking road users to approach the area with care as traffic management layouts will change.” 

Wills Bros Civil Engineering Site Agent Chris Dale comments, “These works are a crucial first step in delivering the new carriageway for the A9 Dualling: Tay Crossing to Ballinluig project. We are planning our ‘Meet the Contractor’ event alongside these works and I look forward to welcoming the local community to these and sharing further details about our future traffic management plans at these events. We would like to thank the local community and those using the route for their continued patience whilst these works are carried out.” 

Final Thoughts 

Remaining sections, including Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing and Pitlochry to Killiecrankie, prepare for starts in 2026 and beyond. Contracts employ design-build and mutual investment models to accelerate delivery. 

This upgrade solidifies the A9 as a resilient artery, supporting Scotland’s transport needs. It exemplifies strategic infrastructure investment, prioritizing safety, economy, and sustainability in the construction sector.