Building work on a £2.6m overtaking lane scheme at Moy on the A9 has begun in earnest.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson performed a ground breaking ceremony on site today, marking the start of the 12 week construction programme.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said: "I'm delighted to see construction start on this important overtaking scheme on the A9 at Moy, which will help make the trunk road a safer, quicker and more reliable route as well as ease congestion.

"The Scottish Government is committed to improving the A9 and this particular scheme – which is one of a number of upgrades to the A9 – underlines our investment on a progressive and continued basis, leading to dualling between Perth and Inverness.

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"This overtaking scheme will provide a boost to the construction industry in Scotland, helping our hard pressed construction workers in this challenging economic climate, and also complements £6m of improvement works undertaken at Carrbridge and Bankfoot last year, as well as a further overtaking scheme planned for Slochd in 2011."

The £2.6m contract for Moy, approx 10 miles (17km) south of Inverness, was awarded by Transport Scotland to Aggregate Industries. Due to commence in the last few weeks, the start of the works was interrupted due to the recent severe weather conditions and to protect both road user and road worker safety.

The project will see the construction of a new northbound overtaking lane of 0.68 miles (1.1km), the installation of a 'ghost island' to shelter traffic turning right into Lynebeg and the closure of an unclassified road leading from the A9 to the village of Moy.

The project will use the modern, greener and more sustainable method of 'crack and seat' construction. This approach brings benefits by reducing carbon emissions, as there are fewer deliveries, and lowers waste output by recycling existing materials.

(GK/BMcC)