Work to transform A9 into dual carriageway resumes

Work is resuming this week to transform the A9 into a dual carriageway.

The dualling project on the road is gradually restarting following Scotland’s move into phase two of easing lockdown restrictions.

All construction work on the project has been shutdown since March but will now recommence with hygiene and physical distancing measures in place.

The first section of the new carriageway on the A9 at the south end of the works opened to traffic in mid-February.

The next major milestone on the project is expected to be at the north end of the project between Bankfoot north junction and the northern tie-in, when traffic will switch onto what will become the new A9 southbound carriageway.

After this, construction will start on the old A9 northbound carriageway to create two new northbound lanes.

Meanwhile, works will gradually recommence to upgrade the Bankfoot north and south junctions.

Traffic-signal-controlled plant crossings will also be reinstated following their removal.

These include the C569 at Luncarty North Junction, the U38 Stanley Road, and on the C408 at Hunter’s Lodge.

Temporary traffic signals will be in place during the works.

In addition, the temporary mini-roundabout south of Bankfoot is expected to stay until traffic can be switched onto the new section of carriageway.

Transport Scotland are urging drivers to take care.

Alan Brisbane, Balfour Beatty contract manager, said: “We are committed to ensuring a safe working environment aligned to a ‘new normal’ way of working for our site team and members of the public – this will involve ongoing liaison with industry bodies, our colleagues and sub-contractors, to ensure best practice across all site-based activities.”

Gemma Montrose, Project Sponsor for Transport Scotland, said: “These new measures are as much about the protection of the communities in which we are operating as they are about the protection of our workforce, and I would urge everyone to adhere to the physical distancing guidelines to allow us to progress the project as safely and efficiently as possible.“