Transport Scotland have announced the launch of the competition to select the main construction contractor to dual the next phase of the A9.

Minister for Transport, Mr Graeme Dey, officially launched the procurement process for the most northerly section of the Scottish Government's £3 billion programme to dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness, at a virtual event for the construction industry.

Minister for Transport Graeme Dey, said: "Creating employment and training opportunities that benefit the people and communities surrounding this project is a key focus for this significant investment in Scotland's infrastructure that intends to deliver improvements that bring economic, social and environmental wellbeing to the area.

"This new construction contract will help deliver our shared vision for Scotland - a sustainable, inclusive, safe and accessible transport system, helping deliver a healthier, fairer and more prosperous Scotland for communities, businesses and visitors. It will also set out new aspirations for carbon reduction in construction and revitalise employment opportunities through a wide range of skills and training initiatives and educational engagement, throughout the duration of the construction phase."

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The project aims to help target inequalities, improve health and wellbeing and help deliver economic recovery in the north of Scotland. As well as resulting in nearly 20 miles of continuous dual carriageway south of Inverness once complete, the A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy project aims to:

Economy

• Support Small and Medium sized enterprises (SMEs) through subcontract opportunities

• Maximise opportunities for Supported Businesses and Social Enterprises

Employment & skills

• Create new jobs including apprenticeship and graduate posts

• Provide work placements supporting young people and those in priority groups

• Provide an on-site training facility, to be shared with the community

Green construction

• Prioritise the use of electric/low or zero carbon emissions vehicles on site, where possible

• Use renewable energy sources, wherever possible, to power site office and compound facilities

• Introduce carbon emission measurement, monitoring and reporting including potential carbon reduction targets

• Promote the use of the circular economy and waste minimisation.

The project will also improve greater connectivity for public transport, with upgrades to approximately 10 km of non-motorised user routes to encourage active travel such as walking and cycling.

Mr Dey added: "Today's announcement is welcome news for the Scottish construction and tourism industries, as well as the communities which line the route. This project will help stimulate economic growth aiding Scotland's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. I have no doubt this new contract will build on the excellent work that our teams have achieved to date, and in doing so, will continue to unlock far reaching sustainable benefits through the delivery of this significant/ infrastructure project."

Transport Scotland anticipate that this construction contract for the third section of the A9 Dualling will be awarded in the second half of 2022.