Work begins on A9 upgrade in Far North

Minister for Transport Stewart Stevenson will today mark the start of a £5.45m scheme to improve a vital stretch of trunk road in the north of Scotland.

Mr Stevenson will be on-site to break ground on the upgrade to the A9 between Helmsdale and Ord of Caithness - involving the construction of 2.1km of new trunk road to replace the existing section of this road.

Transport Scotland appointed the contractor, RJ McLeod last month to construct the new road between East Helmsdale in the south and Allt Briste in the north. The new section of carriageway will provide an improved alignment and a safer overtaking opportunity.
Mr Stevenson said:

"I am delighted to be here in Helmsdale today, to mark the start of another major investment to make this key route in the north of Scotland safer.

"Delivery of the scheme will strengthen the economic lifeline for communities in the north of Scotland and the Northern Isles by providing improved connections for locals, businesses and tourists and an important link with the Scrabster ferry terminal.

"I want to reiterate that the Government is committed to having a safer and more efficient transport network and the start of work today is another step forward to delivering this for the people of Scotland."

At the southern end of the scheme, a new roundabout will be constructed that will allow safe access to properties at Navidale with new junctions to Navidale Cemetery Road and Navidale House Hotel.

The climbing lane provided as part of the previously developed Phase 1 Scheme will be extended by a further 280 metres increasing the northbound overtaking opportunity available.

Once completed, the old section of the trunk road will be detrunked and will become a footway, cycleway and access track for the local community and visitors to the area to enjoy.

Work is expected to take 12 months to complete.

For more information see A9 Helmsdale to Ord of Caithness Improvements.