A9 Dualling: Three Giants Vie for £205m Pitlochry to Killiecrankie Contract

Transport Scotland has announced that three major contractors have been shortlisted for a significant £205 million contract to dual a crucial 6.4km section of the A9 between Pitlochry and Killiecrankie. This marks another step forward in the ambitious Scottish Government initiative to transform the A9 into a dual carriageway.

Key Takeaways

Three contractors – Balfour Beatty, Kier Transportation, and Wills Bros Civil Engineering – are in contention for the £205m project.
The scheme involves upgrading 6.4km of the A9 and constructing or upgrading nine bridges.
The contract is expected to be awarded in autumn 2026, with completion anticipated by the end of 2030.
This section will be the third to utilise Transport Scotland’s modified NEC4 contract, incorporating a carbon reduction fund.

The Pitlochry to Killiecrankie Project

The selected contractors will participate in a competitive dialogue process, after which they will submit final tenders for the project. This section of the A9 dualling programme will see approximately 6.4 kilometres of single carriageway upgraded to dual carriageway standard. A key feature of the project will be the construction or upgrade of nine bridges. These include a new crossing over the River Tummel, adjacent to the existing Tummel Bridge, a second bridge over Loch Faskally near the existing Clunie Bridge, and a new rail bridge spanning the Highland Mainline Railway.

Advancing the A9 Dualling Programme

This contract is a vital part of the wider A9 Dualling Programme, a Scottish Government commitment to convert 129km of the A9 between Perth and Inverness into a dual carriageway by 2035. Once the Pitlochry to Killiecrankie section is complete, nearly half of the A9 between Perth and Inverness will be dualled. The project also aims to enhance active travel links and non-motorised user crossings, including routes along the Rob Roy Way.

Contractual Framework and Sustainability

The project will be delivered under Transport Scotland’s modified NEC4 Engineering and Construction contract. This version includes a capped carbon reduction fund, designed to financially support and incentivise the successful contractor to implement lower-emission construction measures. This approach underscores a commitment to sustainable infrastructure development.

Timeline and Social Value

Following the competitive dialogue and final tender evaluation, the contract award is anticipated in autumn 2026. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2030. The procurement process also includes social value requirements, focusing on commitments to skills and training, wellbeing, local subcontracting, and educational outreach through the Academy9 programme.

Transport Scotland has confirmed that the government remains dedicated to the completion of the A9 dualling works. The ongoing procurement stage is crucial for refining designs to ensure value for money for the Scottish taxpayer.