Transport Scotland awards Balfour Beatty a significant £185m contract.
- The project involves upgrading nearly 10km of the A9 in the Highlands.
- Four major bridges and several junctions are part of the construction.
- Digital planning to optimise construction phases will be employed.
- This project promises various economic and safety benefits for Scotland.
Transport Scotland has entrusted Balfour Beatty with a substantial £185m contract to enhance a crucial stretch of the A9. This ambitious task involves transforming approximately 9.6 kilometres of single carriageway between Tomatin and Moy into a dual carriageway, a development anticipated to ease traffic flow and bolster regional connectivity.
Located about 21 kilometres south of Inverness, the project requires constructing four significant bridges and revamping local junctions. Such infrastructural enhancements are poised to significantly improve travel efficiency while mitigating congestion issues prevalent in the area.
Balfour Beatty’s implementation strategy includes using advanced 4D planning techniques to meticulously design and simulate construction phases. This proactive measure is expected to identify potential challenges early, ensuring a seamless and efficient execution of the project, particularly at complex structures like the Moy Rail Bridge and the Dalmagarry Bridge.
This initiative forms part of a larger, multi-billion pound programme aimed at upgrading the A9 corridor. It follows the successful completion of earlier phases, specifically the Kincraig to Dalraddy and Luncarty to Pass of Birnam sections, signalling a steady progression in the overall mission to enhance Scotland’s transport infrastructure.
Hector MacAulay, managing director of Balfour Beatty’s regional business in Scotland, expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact. He remarked on the expected economic surge, highlighting job creation and business growth, especially within the tourism sector. Furthermore, these infrastructural improvements are designed to enhance road safety for all users.
The A9 dualling project is poised to deliver long-term benefits to Scotland’s infrastructure and economy.
