The design consultancies or joint ventures have been invited to tender for the design work for the western section of the A96 Dualling programme – a 29 mile stretch between Hardmuir and Fochabers.

They are:

1.AECOM Limited

2.Amey Arup Joint Venture

3.CH2M Fairhurst Joint Venture

4.Mott MacDonald Grontmij Joint Venture

Cabinet secretary for infrastructure, investment and cities, Keith Brown, said: “This major contract marks a further milestone towards the dualling of the A96 with all the investment and improvements that will bring to the Highlands and north-east of Scotland.

“The breadth of interest from the industry is testament to the importance of this major infrastructure project and again underlines the significant investment that this Government is making in the transport network across Scotland with the M8M73M74 Motorway Improvements Project and the Aberdeen bypass on the ground, and the Forth Replacement Crossing due for completion later this year.

“When this contract is awarded later this spring, design work for the western section will step up a gear with route option assessment work getting underway. This contract will also provide the successful bidders with steady work for years to come and many more opportunities for small and medium enterprises through subcontracted work, so it will be a significant boost for the local and national economy.

“When completed, the A96 dualling programme will deliver a number of benefits, including improved journey time and reliability, improved connectivity and improved road safety for all those who use this key artery connecting two of Scotland’s economic hubs.

“With construction of the first section of our £3 billion A9 dualling programme now well underway and the first section between Kincraig and Dalraddy due to finish next summer– combined with our work to dual the A96, we will ensure communities across Scotland get the 21st century road network they rightly deserve.”