Transport Scotland has announced the intention to award the contract for the next phases of design for the A90 Laurencekirk junction upgrade to Amey.

The contract award will see Amey undertake route option assessment work and develop a preferred grade-separated junction option, leading to the preparation of draft road Orders.

Transport minister Humza Yousaf said: “Earlier this year we announced £24 million for the design and construction of a new grade-separated junction at Laurencekirk as part of as part of a package of additional investment alongside the Aberdeen City Region Deal.

“We are committed to completing this important upgrade as soon as possible and the appointment of design consultants means we are now stepping up the work to deliver this much-needed scheme for the people of the north east as soon as possible.

“We have been working hard with the two local authorities and Nestrans and we will continue that partnership approach so we can bring improved road safety and economic benefits to road users and the local community in Laurencekirk and the north Angus area.

“The planned improvements at Laurencekirk add to our already impressive transport infrastructure investment portfolio in the north east which includes the £745m AWPR, improved road access on the A96 at Inveramsay Bridge which is now open to traffic, dualling the A96 between Aberdeen and Inverness, major improvements to the Aberdeen to Inverness rail line, and the ongoing design work to remove the notorious bottleneck at Haudagain roundabout.”