The start of a ground-breaking £10.4m road dualling scheme on the A9 was undertaken today by Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson.

He literally 'broke-ground' in the traditional ceremony that marked the start of the scheme at Crubenmore on the A9 that will see the construction of a 3.2 km (approx 2 miles) extension to the existing dual carriageway near Etteridge on this crucial link to north Scotland.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said: "I am pleased to be undertaking this ground breaking ceremony marking the latest section to be improved as part of the A9 Route Action Plan recommendations.

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"The A9 is a vital link to north Scotland and the Scottish Government is committed to dualling this route, from Perth to Inverness, on a phased basis.

"These works will not only bring employment for local people, but also significant safety and economic benefits to communities and businesses across Scotland."

The A9 Crubenmore Dual Carriageway Northern Extension is one of a number of improvement schemes recommended for development to help achieve safer operation and more reliable journey times for the A9.

The scheme will form a 3.2km extension to the existing 1.6km of dual carriageway giving additional guaranteed overtaking opportunities in both directions. This will also reduce journey times and the number of convoys.

It is anticipated the scheme will be complete in late summer 2011 and will support businesses, communities and tourism throughout Scotland by improving the access to and from Inverness and the Highlands.

The A9 is the longest trunk road in Scotland and serves many different users, from remote communities to key strategic traffic between the central belt and the north of the country.

(GK/BMcC)