A shortlist of bidders competing to win the first A9 dualling scheme contract has been released by Transport Scotland.

The contract, valued at £50m, would focus on the length of the A9 between Kincraig and Dalraddy. The Kincraig to Dalraddy section will involve widening the current five-mile stretch of single carriageway to a full dual carriageway.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Summer 2015.

The four bidders competing for the work are:



• BAM Nuttall/John Sisk

• Farrans Construction/Roadbridge


• Morrison Construction

• Wills Bros/John Paul Construction.



Transport Minister Keith Brown commented: "Today's announcement is a reflection of the Scottish Government's ambitious programme of investment and commitment to dual the A9 from Perth to Inverness by 2025 and I welcome the interest shown by construction companies who are keen to secure the contract.

"Work to progress the dualling of the A9 is gathering momentum as we move another step closer to appointing the contractor who we expect to put the first spade in the ground next summer, some six months earlier than originally planned.

"This contract, along with the two of the three multi-million pound design contracts for the route and work to address safety issues, will continue to drive forward improvements to Scotland's longest trunk road.

"This will deliver benefits for road users and local communities alike, while supporting businesses, communities and tourism throughout Scotland by improving access to and from the Highlands."

(JP/MH)