Contractors shortlisted for delayed A9 Tomatin to Moy upgrade

A visualisation of planned improvements at Tomatin

A contractor could be appointed next summer to upgrade a six-mile stretch of the A9 in the Highlands.

The Scottish government said in February it had been forced to retender the Tomatin to Moy dualling project.

It forms part of wider delayed work to dual remaining sections of single carriageway between Inverness and Perth.

Over the last 10 years, two sections totalling 11 miles of road have been completed.

But about 77 miles has yet to be dualled.

Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop has announced a shortlist of three companies for Tomatin to Moy:

• John Graham Construction Ltd

• Sacyr UK Ltd

• Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd

The road-building project would include constructing four new junctions, three new bridges and replacement for the Moy Rail Bridge.

Routes for cyclists and pedestrians would also be built.

Ms Hyslop said: "The dualling of the section between Tomatin to Moy will not only improve connectivity and safety for those using the route through the upgrading of the single carriageway, but will also include over 10km of improvements to active travel routes including new footpaths and greater connections to public transport."

• Read more stories from the Highlands and Islands

• Listen to the latest news from the Highlands and Islands on BBC Sounds

Last month, MSPs asked First Minister Humza Yousaf and his predecessor Nicola Sturgeon for details of what advice they received on work to dual the A9.

The SNP made a commitment in 2011 to upgrade Scotland's longest trunk road between Inverness and Perth by 2025.

But in February, then Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth said this date would be missed.

Mr Yousaf and Ms Sturgeon both had responsibility for roads during their ministerial careers.

Holyrood's citizen participation and public petitions committee has been gathering evidence on the road-building project, and delays to completing it.

It has asked several former ministers for written evidence, including Mr Yousaf and Ms Sturgeon who might also be invited to give evidence in person at a later date.

The committee has also asked Transport Scotland for documents setting out what advice it gave ministers.