A9 dualling plans hailed by council leader Drew Hendry
THE leader of the Highland Council has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement that the duelling of the A9 from Inverness to Perth is to be brought forward by two years.
Councillor Drew Hendry hailed the plans to start the £3 billion project in 2015 instead of 2017 as “very positive”.
However, it is unlikely the work will be completed before 2025.
“This is another very positive announcement affecting the Highlands that has been made by the Scottish Government,” he said.
“The upgrading of the A9 is critical to the wellbeing both of our people and the economy of the Highlands.
“We all want to see a reduction in the unacceptably high number of accidents on this busy gateway to the Highlands.”
Official figures released this month showed there were 67 fatalities and 1206 accidents involving injuries on the A9 between 2006 and 2010.
The work features seven sections of single carriageway requiring upgrade, the first being the duelling of the carriageway between Kincraig and Dalraddy.
In its five-year plan, the council leadership states it will work with the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland and partners to support the upgrade of the A9 within Highland.
The programme is being presented to the full council on Thursday for confirmation.