Transport Scotland is set to award a construction contract to international infrastructure group Balfour Beatty for the next major section of the £3bn A9 dualling programme.

The contract forms part of the £96m project to dual the 9.5km section of the A9 running between Luncarty and Pass of Birnam.

The latest project will be the second construction contract to be awarded as part of the Scottish Government’s programme to upgrade 80 miles of single carriageway.

Balfour Beatty was chosen from four bidders, including Dragados, Wills Bros Civil Engineering, and a JV between Farrans Construction and Roadbridge.

The contract will formally be awarded in the coming weeks.

“Construction of the Luncarty to Pass of Birnam section will include four new overbridges, widening of one existing underbridge, and the provision of a new side road bridge.”

Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Cabinet Secretary Michael Matheson said: “The dualling of the A9 will create hundreds of new jobs throughout the construction phases, which will leave a lasting legacy of a highly skilled workforce, bolstering Scotland’s construction industry.

“The project will also act as a catalyst to attract significant inward investment and stimulate continued growth of our business communities, especially the tourism industry, along this key route.

“The Scottish Government is committed to delivering this £3bn infrastructure improvement project to dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness by 2025.”

Once the A9 Luncarty to Pass of Birnam is completed, road users will benefit from 15km of continuous dual carriageway from Inveralmond roundabout in Perth to Pass of Birnam.

In addition to the construction of 9.5km of new dual-carriageway, construction of the Luncarty to Pass of Birnam section will include four new overbridges, widening of one existing underbridge, and the provision of a new side road bridge.

Balfour Beatty Scotland managing director Hector MacAulay said: “We look forward to delivering this important infrastructure project, which will bring travel and safety improvements to all road users whilst generating significant benefit to the local community and economy.”