Who Will Win the Bid to Transform Scotland’s Key A9 Transport Corridor?
Transport Scotland has named three firms—Balfour Beatty, Wills Bros Civil Engineering, and R J McLeod—on the shortlist for the next stage of the A9 dualling project between Tomatin and Moy. This significant public infrastructure project is set to upgrade a 9.6 km stretch of the A9 to a dual carriageway, aiming to improve road safety, reduce journey times, and boost economic growth in the region.
The Scope and Significance of the A9 Dualling Project
The A9 is a major arterial route that connects Scotland’s central belt with the Highlands, and its dualling has been a long-term objective for Transport Scotland. The dualling of the Tomatin to Moy section represents a key component of a broader plan to upgrade the entire A9 between Perth and Inverness to dual carriageway status.
This particular stretch, spanning 9.6 km, is viewed as a critical segment of the larger plan, both due to its high accident rates and its role in facilitating efficient traffic flow. With an estimated cost of £115 million, the project involves comprehensive work, including widening the road, improving junctions, and installing safety features such as barriers and better signage. The enhancements are anticipated to have a significant impact on road safety by reducing the number of head-on collisions and other accidents, a persistent problem on this busy route.
Transport Scotland’s decision to shortlist three contractors underscores the strategic importance of this section. All three firms—Balfour Beatty, Wills Bros Civil Engineering, and R J McLeod—have a strong track record in delivering complex civil engineering projects. Each is expected to submit detailed proposals on how they will meet the project’s goals while ensuring minimal disruption to the local communities and existing road users.
A Competitive Bidding Process for a Vital Infrastructure Upgrade
The shortlist announcement marks a pivotal stage in the competitive bidding process. Balfour Beatty, Wills Bros Civil Engineering, and R J McLeod were chosen based on their experience, financial stability, and commitment to delivering projects on time and within budget. The selected firms will now enter a dialogue phase with Transport Scotland, where they will refine their technical and financial proposals before a final tender is submitted.
Transport Scotland is expected to select the winning contractor by the end of 2024, with construction projected to commence shortly thereafter. This timeline aligns with the Scottish Government’s objective of having the entire A9 dualled by 2025—a commitment that has faced multiple delays but remains a priority in the country’s broader transportation strategy.
The competitive nature of the bidding process is designed to ensure value for money and quality of delivery. According to Transport Scotland, this process will involve rigorous assessment criteria, including construction methodologies, environmental impact mitigation strategies, and community engagement plans.
Implications for Local Communities and Road Users
The dualling of the A9 between Tomatin and Moy is not just a major infrastructure project; it is a significant development for the local communities. The upgrade is expected to deliver several benefits beyond road safety, including reduced congestion, shorter journey times, and improved access to local businesses and amenities.
However, with these benefits come concerns. Local communities along the A9 route have voiced apprehensions about potential disruptions during construction, such as increased noise, dust, and traffic diversions. To address these concerns, Transport Scotland has committed to maintaining open lines of communication with residents and stakeholders throughout the construction phase.
Public consultations held earlier this year provided a platform for residents to voice their concerns and suggest mitigation measures. Key recommendations from these consultations included optimising construction schedules to minimise traffic disruptions, enhancing signage and safety measures during the construction period, and ensuring that any temporary road closures are well-publicised in advance.
Transport Scotland has also pledged to incorporate environmentally sustainable practices into the project. This includes measures to protect local wildlife habitats, reduce carbon emissions associated with construction activities, and recycle materials wherever possible.
The Broader Impact on Scotland’s Transport Network
The A9 dualling project is part of a wider strategy to modernise Scotland’s transport network. As the longest road in Scotland, stretching over 270 miles from Falkirk to Thurso, the A9 plays a crucial role in connecting urban and rural areas. Its importance is reflected in the significant investment being made to enhance its capacity and safety.
By upgrading the A9 to a dual carriageway, Transport Scotland aims to create a safer and more efficient route for the thousands of vehicles that use it daily. The project is also expected to stimulate economic growth by improving access to key markets, reducing transport costs, and attracting investment to the Highlands and other regions along the route.
The economic benefits of the A9 dualling extend beyond immediate cost savings for road users. Improved infrastructure is likely to boost tourism, a key sector for the Scottish economy, by making the Highlands more accessible. Additionally, it is expected to support the Scottish Government’s ambitions for sustainable economic growth by reducing carbon emissions through enhanced traffic flow and reduced congestion.
Sources: