The contract involves the construction of around 500m of new dual carriageway connecting the A90 North Anderson Drive and the A96 Auchmill Road, alleviating some of the bottlenecks at the notorious roundabout.

Transport Scotland named Farrans Construction as the preferred contractor in late 2018 to deliver the £18 million project, which was previously expected to be finished this spring, as part of the overall £49.5m works.

The transport body has now confirmed to The Press And Journal that the so-called Haudagain bypass will not be finished until the winter.

A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “The construction is progressing and, as confirmed in the recent publication of the infrastructure investment plan, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the measures to combat the impact of the pandemic, completion is now anticipated in winter 2021.

“This is subject to any further impacts of the pandemic and unforeseen circumstances such as the effects of exceptional weather.

“Transport Scotland is working with the contractor to review the programme of work and identify any actions which may help to mitigate delays where possible.”