The contract, worth up to £50 million, is expected to be awarded later this year.

The road forms the eastern section of the Scottish Government’s plan to dual the A96 from Inverness to Aberdeen by 2030.

AECOM Limited, Amey Arup joint venture, Atkins WSP joint venture and Jacobs UK Ltd have been invited to tender for the work.

Cabinet secretary for economy, jobs and fair work, 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 north-east and the Highland’s, including improved journey time and reliability, improved connectivity and improved road safety for all those who use this key artery connecting Scotland’s two most northerly cities.

“When this contract is awarded later this year, design work for the eastern 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 boost for the local and national economy.

“At the same time, we are progressing other parts of the A96 Dualling programme with draft Orders published for the Inverness to Nairn (including Nairn Bypass) late last year. Design work is also underway for the western section between Hardmuir and Fochabers and we hope to let the public see and comment on the options being developed in the summer.”