Contractors Sought for £155m A9 Road-Dualling Project in Scotland

Transport Scotland has initiated the search for contractors to undertake a significant road-dualling project worth £155 million on the A9 in Scotland. This project encompasses the development of an 8.2km section between Tay Crossing and Ballinluig, aiming to upgrade it to a dual carriageway.

The enhancement of this central Scottish roadway is part of a broader effort to enhance the A9 corridor between Perth and Inverness, a critical transportation route in the region. For this particular segment, the plan includes widening the current single carriageway along with constructing seven ‘left-in, left-out’ junctions, a roundabout, access roads to rural properties, and two bridges.

Additionally, the project involves upgrading side roads, replacing or improving existing structures like culverts and sustainable drainage systems, and implementing various tasks such as earthworks, retaining walls, landscaping, and environmental mitigation measures. One peculiar feature of the agreement is a five-year maintenance period after the completion of the primary works, including landscape establishment within specified planting periods.

Interested contractors have until July 5 to submit their bids, with the shortlisting phase anticipated by mid-August for three prospective firms. The contract award will be based on a tender assessment considering both cost and quality factors equally. Sacyr, alongside Graham and Balfour Beatty, had previously competed for a separate £150 million section within the A9 improvement program, highlighting the significant investment and interest in enhancing Scotland’s transportation infrastructure.

The previous procurement endeavor for this project had seen one bid received, deemed too costly by the client, resulting in reevaluation and a fresh bidding process, with the upcoming winner expected to be announced soon. The collaboration between these contractors and Transport Scotland signifies a concerted effort to modernize and elevate the A9 roadway, benefiting both commuters and the economy at large.