His comments came after a report commissioned by Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop advised against accelerating or rescheduling the project to dual the road between Perth and Inverness.
The project is expected to be completed by 2035.
The report said accelerating the works would “negatively impact procurement, construction, supply chains and increase disruption”, and that it would risk pushing up prices due to increased competition for resources.
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Mr Ewing said it appeared that Transport Scotland had failed to properly seek the views of industry when producing the report.
“Did they have any meaningful discussions with industry?” he said.
“Did they not even hold a ‘market day’ where major contractors would be invited to contribute their views?
“It looks to me as if they failed to do this, despite the absolute necessity of working collaboratively with industry.”
He added: “This is deeply disappointing – and a sham.”
Veteran SNP MSP Fergus Ewing (Image: PA)
Ms Hyslop said the report showed the current plan for delivering the £3.7 billion project was “robust and practical”, and added that “real progress” was being made on delivering it.
“This report considers proposals that the delivery plan for the A9 dualling programme be rescheduled and/or accelerated,” she said.
“That plan was developed to balance market capacity, impacts on road users and challenging financial constraints, and it provides much-needed certainty for road users, local communities and the construction industry on when works all along the A9 are expected.
“I appreciate that there are a range of views on how completion of the dualling programme should be achieved.
“I believe that the report demonstrates that the delivery plan is a robust and practical approach to undertaking this large programme of work in the years ahead, and the Scottish Government remains fully focused and committed to taking these projects forward as set out in that plan.”
She added: “In the next few months, I expect to see main construction work start on the Tomatin to Moy project, publication of draft orders for the Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing project, contract award for the Tay Crossing to Ballinluig project and commencement of procurement for the Pitlochry to Killiecrankie project.”
Alongside this, she said, work was expected to be completed on a £5 million package of “short-term measures” by March and that work to make the road safer for users would continue.
The report did indicate there “may be an opportunity” to accelerate construction of the improved Dalnaspidal junction and Ms Hyslop said she had asked the department to “assess the potential” for this.
She added: “I am wholly committed to progressing the A9 dualling programme, to listening to and keeping Parliament and local residents, businesses and communities informed of and engaged with our delivery plan.
“Where improvements can be made, within budget, which enhance delivery and/or the timetable, then we will make them.”