Dave Thompson MSP

Significant milestone in 'vital' infrastructure project

The SNP has welcomed today’s announcement that the first of three contracts for the design of the dualling of the A9 has been awarded – a significant milestone in the SNP Government’s commitment to the project.

The contract has been awarded to CH2MHill/Fairhurst to design a 26-mile upgrade to the road between Glengarry and Dalraddy.

The project also comes with a significant jobs boost to the local area – with the winning bidder committing to providing 35 full-time roles and 28 summer placement opportunities for apprentices, work experience students and graduates.

The A9 is to be fully dualled between Perth and Inverness by 2025 – benefiting from a £3bn investment over the period.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch Dave Thompson said: “Today’s announcement is great news for the Highlands and is a clear demonstration of the SNP’s commitment to the project – as well as offering the contractors the prospect of steady work for the years ahead and employment opportunities for local people.

“People across the Highlands will be delighted that progress is being made with this project. Too many lives are lost on this road and delays that are caused on single carriageway stretches have a negative economic impact on highland businesses.

“The SNP Government is the only government to ever commit to fully upgrading the A9 between Inverness and Perth – and today’s announcement is a significant milestone in this vital project.

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Further information can be found here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-27125434