Transport Scotland has moved to the final procurement stage for its £1.94bn framework to complete the dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness by releasing a shortlist of contractors.
The agency has formally invited tenders for a Framework Agreement with an estimated value of £1.94bn.
The invitation to tender (ITT) follows a prequalification round and the publication of a contract notice in June.
Transport Scotland said the framework will be used to procure the remaining five sections of the A9 Dualling Programme and is expected to be concluded by the end of the year.
Five contractors have been shortlisted across the framework’s two lots:
- Balfour Beatty
- Morrison Construction
- Graham
- Hochtief (UK) Construction
- Kier Transportation
- Wills Brothers Civil Engineering
The two-lot structure is designed to allow multiple firms to take part in delivery while maintaining continuity and encourage knowledge sharing.
If the framework is finalised as planned, it will enable contracts for the remaining dualling sections to be awarded, including:
- Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing
- Glen Garry to Crubenmore
- Crubenmore to Kincraig
- Killiecrankie to Glen Garry
- Dalraddy to Slochd
Transport Scotland said the framework will use Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) principles to bring designers and contractors together early to identify risks, improve buildability and seek savings.
Progress so far has seen about 13km of the A9 operating as dual carriageway between Kincraig to Dalraddy and Luncarty to Pass of Birnam.
A further 13km is currently under construction on the Tomatin to Moy and Tay Crossing to Ballinluig sections with work on Pitlochry to Killiecrankie expected to be awarded in autumn 2026.
Officials have repeatedly framed the dualling project as a boost to road safety, journey reliability and economic connectivity across the Highlands and Perthshire. Transport Scotland also highlighted local employment benefits from ongoing works: the Tomatin to Moy contract currently employs 256 people, of whom almost two-thirds are locally based, including apprentices and graduates.
The Scottish government remains committed to completing the dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness by the end of 2035.
Scottish government cabinet secretary for economy, transport and tourism Stephen Flynn said: “I am pleased to see the procurement of this Framework Agreement progressing, this maintains the momentum needed to deliver the dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness by the end of 2035.
“The Framework Agreement creates a sustained programme of construction activity across the A9, providing long-term certainty for the supply chain while supporting jobs, skills and economic growth across Scotland.”
He added: “The programme is now delivering on multiple fronts, with completed sections in operation, major works underway and procurement of the remaining sections progressing providing a clear pathway to completing the dualling of the A9.”
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