The Government of Scotland has released a Prior Information Notice (PIN) for the construction contract of the 9.5km section between Luncarty to Birnam.

The £100m contract is expected to begin by the end of this year.

A Contract Notice will be released in the coming weeks and the government intends to speed up the process of design work for the rest of the route between Perth and Inverness.

"With two more sections of road totalling 40 km identified, over 90% of the dualling programme has now reached preferred route status."

Scotland Economy Secretary Keith Brown said: “The range of activity and work underway to deliver the A9 Dualling Programme is tangible evidence of our commitment to upgrade this important road linking central Scotland to the Highlands and Islands.

“We remain on schedule to open the 7.5km stretch of upgraded road between Kincraig and Dalraddy this summer, bringing huge benefits to motorists using the A9.

“Further progress today also sees the publication of the Prior Information Notice for the next section to be dualled between Luncarty and Pass of Birnam, marking the first steps in the appointment of  a construction contractor to deliver this important scheme.”

As part of its preparation for future construction, the government will also identify contractors who can carry out a series of advanced works across the entire route.

Brown added: “And I am also delighted to see rapid progress being made to identify the preferred route for the entire programme.

"With two more sections of road totalling 40 km identified, over 90% of the dualling programme has now reached preferred route status.

"I would encourage locals and road users to visit the exhibitions to view our plans.

“We are making significant strides and remain on target to deliver our ambitious A9 Dualling Programme by 2025.”

The government has also invited the general public to view the preferred routes for the 24 km Dalraddy to Slochd and the 16km Crubenmore to Kincraig schemes, which will be part of A9 dualling programme.