Subject to completion of the mandatory standstill period, work is programmed to start in early May and expected to be on site for around eight weeks.

Cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity, Michael Matheson, said: “Having let the public see and comment on the preferred option for the much-needed Laurencekirk Junction Improvement scheme last summer, we continue to push forward with the design of the preferred option in greater detail with a view to publishing draft orders for the scheme later in 2019.

“These ground investigations due to get underway next month will provide the detailed information needed to help inform the ongoing development and assessment of the preferred option.

“When completed, the scheme will help reduce accidents and delays by preventing traffic turning or crossing at the busy A90 junction to the south of the town. As well as grade-separating the junction, the scheme will also improve safety and accessibility for all active travel users.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “Some of this work will take place on or near the live carriageway and in order to ensure the safety of both road workers and road users we will need to introduce traffic management arrangements.

“Road users and local communities will be kept informed of our plans and we will endeavour to ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum.”