Transport Scotland has officially opened the first new stretch of A9 dual carriageway between Kincraig and Dalraddy. 

The agency has also lifted the temporary 40mph speed limit on the new 7.5km section of the highway, enabling drivers to travel at national limits of the £35m road stretch.

The opening of the A9 dual carriageway is expected to enable safer overtaking opportunities, reduce journey times, and ease congestion. It will further split up the largest section of single carriageway between Perth and Inverness.

Completion of the new section is part of the £3bn A9 Dualling Programme in Scotland. 

Scotland Cabinet Secretary for Economy Jobs and Fair Work Keith Brown said: “Drivers will welcome having access to an additional section of dual-carriageway which is the first of many to come as part of the A9 Dualling Programme.

"This project will open up our country for trade and tourism, delivering significant economic benefits."

“We expect to be awarding the contract for the Luncarty to Pass of Birnam section in the first half of 2018 as we press on with our programme to build a fully dualled A9 between Perth and Inverness.

“This project will open up our country for trade and tourism, delivering significant economic benefits.”

The project was delivered by Wills Bros Civil Engineering and John Paul Construction as part of a joint venture (JV).

As part of the contract, the JV company will remain on site for a certain time period of time in order to undertake necessary finishing, snagging and landscaping works. 

Image: A9 dual carriageway. Photo: © Transport Scotland.