Bidding is set to start in the next few weeks for the £100m construction contract for the 9.5km section between Luncarty to Birnams, with work then due to start before the end of the year.

Design work also continues apace with 90% of the scheme now at preferred route stage.

Preferred routes will be unveiled to the public today for the 24 km Dalraddy to Slochd and the 16 km Crubenmore to Kincraig schemes – a further 40 km of the A9 dualling programme.

Work is also underway to identify contractors to carry out a series of advanced works across the entire route in preparation for future construction.

These opportunities are expected to be of particular interest to small to medium sized businesses including those based locally who would like to be part of this innovative and ambitious programme.

Scotland’s economy secretary Keith Brown said: “The range of activity and work underway to deliver the A9 Dualling Programme is tangible evidence of our commitment to upgrade this important road linking central Scotland to the Highlands and Islands.

“We remain on schedule to open the 7.5km stretch of upgraded road between Kincraig and Dalraddy this summer, bringing huge benefits to motorists using the A9.

“And I am also delighted to see rapid progress being made to identify the preferred route for the entire programme.

“With two more sections of road totalling 40 km identified, over 90 %of the dualling programme has now reached preferred route status. 

“We are making significant strides and remain on target to deliver our ambitious A9 Dualling Programme by 2025.”