The A9 Dualling North section lies partially within the Cairngorms National Park and reaches Slochd Summit which, at a height of 1,328 feet (405 metres) is the second highest point on the A9 between Perth and Inverness.
Communities along the A9 Dualling North section include Newtonmore, Kingussie, Kincraig, Aviemore and Carrbridge, with Aviemore a year-round tourist destination.
The A9 Dualling North section of the A9 corridor requires 58.6km of dualling to be carried out. This section consists of four projects:
The Kincraig to Dalraddy project is completed. Construction of the Kincraig to Dalraddy project using a design and build contract started in 2015 and dualling became operational in September 2017.
The preferred bidder for the design and build contract for construction of the Tomatin to Moy project was awarded in Summer 2024.
Subject to completion of statutory processes and further decision making in late 2025, it is expected that the Dalraddy to Slochd and Crubenmore to Kincraig projects will be undertaken using a Mutual Investment Model (MIM) contract. In addition to construction of these projects, this contract will also include operation and maintenance of the road between Crubenmore and Slochd for around 30 years following completion of construction works. The remaining statutory processes required for these projects are publication of made Orders and completion of land acquisition, further details of which can be found on Transport Scotland’s website.
Procurement of this MIM contract is expected to commence in Winter 2026/27, with contract award in Autumn 2028 and dualling becoming operational by the end of 2033.
