Mott MacDonald's joint venture (JV) with Sweco has secured a £50 million design contract on the A96 Dualling project, Transport Scotland has announced.

Subject to the mandatory standstill period, the JV will begin design work on the scheme next month.

The contract covers the 29-mile western section of the A96 between Auldearn and Fochabers.

It is expected the route option assessment work will take around two years to complete.

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Minister for Transport & Islands, Humza Yousaf, said: "This major design contract marks a further milestone towards the dualling of the A96 with all the investment and improvements that it will bring to local economies right across the north of Scotland.

"Road users will not only enjoy the benefits of improved journey time and reliability, better connectivity between destinations but also, crucially, improved road safety for all those who use this key artery connecting two of Scotland's economic hubs.

"In addition, this contract will also provide a huge boost for the local and national economy, with the successful bidder securing steady work for years to come and many more opportunities for small and medium enterprises through subcontracted work."

The A96 Dualling scheme involves upgrading around 86 miles of road between Inverness and Aberdeen by 2030.

(LM)