Ground works to start on Inverness to Perth A9 upgrade
Ground works are set to begin in Perthshire as part of the Scottish government's plans to dual the A9.
Transport Scotland is expected to award the £1.3m ground investigation contract to Environmental Scientifics Group Ltd early next month.
Work is scheduled to begin in March and last for four months.
It will be the first spade in the ground for the programme to improve the carriageway between Perth and Inverness.
The ground inspection will pave the way for full construction of the Luncarty to Birnam scheme, due to start in 2017.
Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "Following the public exhibitions and useful feedback we received last December, work to dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness is now being stepped up.
"These important ground investigations will give us the detailed information needed to progress the draft orders for Luncarty to Pass of Birnam section next year.
"They underpin the careful in-depth planning and design required for one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Scotland's history."
The Scottish government said it also expects to see progress on the Kincraig to Dalraddy section of the Highland route.
Tendering for the ground investigation work at that site will begin early next month, with teams getting on site later this year.
Mr Brown added: "It is further good news that we are starting the tender process for the ground investigation work on the Kincraig to Dalraddy section."
"When completed, the A9 dualling programme will bring benefits to road users, communities and businesses who live along or use this important route, which links central Scotland and the Highlands and Islands."