The Scottish Government has opened the first stretch of road from Kincraig to Dalraddy that has been constructed as part of the A9 dualling programme.

Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Keith Brown said: “As one of Scotland’s largest and most challenging infrastructure projects, I welcome this important milestone in our A9 dualling programme, with the first stretch of new road in the programme between Kincraig and Dalraddy now in use.

“Along with the ongoing construction work, we are also continuing to progress the design of the other sections to be dualled with three ground investigation contracts awarded in the last few months.

"These important investigations are helping to inform and shape the design as we work towards identifying preferred routes for a number of sections to be dualled."

“These important investigations are helping to inform and shape the design as we work towards identifying preferred routes for a number of sections to be dualled.”

Drivers will now be able to use the new road layout between Kincraig and Dalraddy, which will take them onto the newly constructed carriageway that is nearly 4km long.

By diverting motorists onto the new carriageway, upgrading works can be taken up on the existing carriageway.

Brown added: “I am also pleased with the strong links the contractor has forged within the community in delivering improvements for the local primary school, assistance with community events, and an innovative association with the Highland Wildlife Park.

“The Scottish Government is working hard to ensure communities along the A9 get the 21st century road network they rightly deserve, and when completed our dualling programme will bring faster journey times, better journey time reliability and road safety improvements for anyone travelling between the cities of Perth and Inverness.”