A9 Dualling: Luncarty to Pass of Birnam - Construction update - Spring 2019

Since the construction contract was awarded in September 2018, preparatory works including design, and construction works have progressed well during the initial months to June 2019. The project moved into the earthworks phase, where approximately 700,000m³ of earth is expected to be moved during summer 2019 season. That equates to approximately 280 Olympic sized swimming pools! The earthworks form the foundation of what will become the new widened A9.

The design of the dual carriageway has continued to progress, with more than 100 design packages delivered. Design packages are made up of many drawings and specifications which detail how each individual element of the project will be constructed.

To reach this crucial stage, our contractor consulted widely with a range of key stakeholders including Perth and Kinross Council, BEAR Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), to ensure that the needs of our stakeholders have been considered and included during design development.

Construction activity increased during the period and road users will have noticed a significant step-up in activity. This included:

• The new Stanley/Tullybelton Junction begun to take shape with hundreds of tonnes of earthworks placed to create the verges on both the east and west sides of the new A9. The overbridge also began to take shape in May, with both abutments formed and column construction underway ready for the pre-cast concrete beams to be lifted into place during overnight closures of the A9 in late July.

• Site clearance and boundary fencing works were nearing completion in all key areas of the site.
• Culvert extensions north of Bankfoot (which allow water to flow under the road) were completed to facilitate the widening of the A9.
• Public utility diversions such as BT cables were also well progressed.
• The temporary Bailey bridges installed earlier in the year crossing the Shochie an Ordie Burns became operational in April 2019. These Bailey bridges enabled our contractor to move tonnes of material to areas where fill is required, without having to use the existing A9. This has dramatically reduced the number of site vehicles using the A9, minimising delays to road users.

• To the north of Bankfoot, soil nailing works commenced on a slope in early May to retain the ground adjacent to a private property.

• At the northern extent of the project, construction also commenced at both Coltrannie and Gelly overbridges.