The first section of dual carriageway to be constructed as part of the A9 Dualling Programme is now fully open.
All remaining traffic restrictions were lifted early on Saturday morning to allow vehicles full access to the new 4.6-mile section between Kincraig and Dalraddy.
The 40mph speed limit was also lifted on the £35million road which means drivers will have the opportunity to experience the benefits immediately.
The creators of the new project believe these include safer overtaking opportunities, shorter journey times, less congestion and a better all-round experience travelling on the A9.
Opening the road also splits up what has been the largest section of single carriageway between Perth and Inverness.
The 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.
“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.”
As is usual for projects of this size and type, the contractor will remain on site for a period of time after the main traffic management is removed in order to undertake necessary works.
The Kincraig to Dalraddy route was built by Wills Bros Civil Engineering and John Paul Construction as part of a joint venture.
There are 80 miles of road to be converted to dual carriageway as part of the A9 Dualling Programme.
More than 90 per cent of the venture has now reached preferred route status.
The design and statutory processes for the remaining schemes are well under way, with the procurement of the construction contracts expected to follow thereafter.
More than £118million has been invested in the programme since it was announced in 2011, including recent ground investigation work which is crucial to informing the design process.
