Preparatory work has begun on the Aberdeen bypass.

Transport Minister Keith Brown has been overseeing initial ground investigations for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR)

The £1m contract for the project was given to Soil Engineering Ltd.

It is thought these initial works will take up to six months to carry out.

Following the works, the findings will then be used to give bidders the information needed to submit tenders for the main works contract in spring next year.

Transport Scotland believes the project will generate 14,000 jobs and £6bn of investment in the northeast over the next 30 years.

Mr Brown said: "Just one month on and we have already informed the construction industry tenders for the main works will be issued in spring next year. Now, with the award of this contract, we are hitting the ground running and providing tangible evidence of our ability to deliver this much-needed project for the northeast.

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"It is estimated that during construction it will create up to 900 jobs directly, with the potential to generate many more for the local supply chain and subcontracts. On completion it will cut the journey across Aberdeen by up to half at peak periods, bringing with this not only jobs but reduced costs and opportunities for increased sales to businesses."

Aberdeen City Council leader Councillor Barney Crockett said: "Aberdeen City Council is the managing agent for the scheme and we are determined to get it up and running as quickly as possible. This council has a very good project management record and I am confident that the AWPR will be run as smoothly as some of our other major projects, including the refurbishment of Marischal College.

"A lot of preparatory work has to be carried out before construction can begin, but I think we can all take this as a good sign that we are on the way to realising our ambition of a greatly improved infrastructure system."

Work is expected to get underway in autumn 2014 with completion expected in spring 2018.

(IT)