Construction activity is intensifying on the A9 Dualling: Tay Crossing to Ballinluig project, the fourth section of the A9 Dualling Programme to move into the build phase.

The opening follows the introduction of major traffic management in the area earlier this year as the wider programme gathers pace.

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, formally opened the main site compound at Kindallachan, south of Ballinluig, marking another milestone for the project, which is expected to become operational by the end of 2028.

With site clearance well underway, drivers will see active construction and traffic management at both the northern and southern extents of the programme corridor. In total, 11 miles of new dual carriageway are now under construction, with a further 4 miles expected to enter construction following contract award for the Pitlochry to Killiecrankie section in autumn this year. As set out in the 2026 Delivery Plan, once participants are appointed to a Framework Agreement, the next contract to enter procurement will be Dalraddy to Slochd in the north, helping maintain momentum along the A9 corridor.

Ms Hyslop said: "The progress being made on this section of A9 Dualling between Tay Crossing and Ballinluig is immediately noticeable to those driving on the A9, and the opening of this site compound marks another positive step forward for this project. I've heard more about the key engineering features on this section, including the challenging environmental and waterway landscape that the contractor will be operating within.

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"After meeting some of the team local to the project, I've heard about the positive efforts being made to decarbonise construction operations on the project and plans for the growing workforce on site. Identifying innovative approaches to the climate challenge, and investing in the local supply chain and workforce is the legacy we are striving to leave with the A9 Dualling Programme.

"With our rolling programme of construction activity across the corridor, the A9 Dualling Programme will create opportunities for local businesses and provide a steady stream of job and training prospects for the people and communities served by this vital route. This Government is not just committed to ensuring a safer, more resilient and reliable link for the people of the Highlands, we are committed to ensuring that this major investment is felt directly within the businesses and communities that this vital route serves."

In January, the Scottish Government confirmed that all remaining A9 Dualling sections not yet in procurement will be progressed as capital-funded contracts. The accompanying 2026 Delivery Plan outlines the construction pipeline to complete dualling between Perth and Inverness by the end of 2035, with 50% of the corridor operating as dual carriageway by end-2030, rising to 67% by end-2032 and 91% by end-2034 before full dualling is achieved in 2035.

The Tay Crossing to Ballinluig scheme upgrades 5 miles of single carriageway to dual, including a new overbridge at Guay South and an underbridge at Kindallachan.

At peak, the project is expected to support more than 250 jobs across engineering, management, design and construction, with a strong focus on apprenticeships, graduate roles and local employment. It will provide at least 15 graduate and 10 apprenticeship opportunities and deliver over 270 weeks of on-site training for new entrants.