Morrison wins £12m contract to upgrade A9

The Scottish Executive has awarded Inverness-based Morrison the first phase of a major £12m upgrade of the A9 from Helmsdale to Ord of Caithness.

Phase one runs from Allt Briste North to North of Ord of Caithness and works will comprise mainly of on-line widening of some 3km of existing road. 

The £4.5m contract also includes an off-line section at Allt Briste North, where a new culvert, farm underpass and embankment across the valley will be built and a 600m section of climbing lane to improve overtaking opportunities constructed.

These works will significantly improve access to the northern ports and have an impact on road safety.

Work will get underway later this month and is programmed to complete in summer 2005.