Transport Scotland has awarded a £50m contract to a joint venture (JV) of Mott MacDonald and Sweco for the dualling of part of the A96.

In June, the JV will conduct assessment and design work of a 29-mile stretch from Auldearn and Fochabers, which is located on the western part of the A96.

Minister for Transport & Islands Humza Yousaf was quoted by Scottishconstructionnow.com as saying: "We remain steadfast in our commitment to upgrade Scotland’s trunk road network which includes dualling the entire length of the A96, some 86 miles of upgraded road between Inverness and Aberdeen, by 2030.

"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."

"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."

This project is expected to reduce journey time, as well as offer improved road connectivity and safety to commuters.

Yousaf added: "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 minister also stated that Scotland is on track to finalise the preferred option for the A96 Dualling Inverness to Nairn project.

"Along with our ambitious plans to build over 80 miles of new dualled road on the A9 between Perth and Inverness, delivering the new £1.3bn Queensferry Crossing over the Forth, and the £500m M8 M73 M74 improvements in Glasgow, this contract is yet another example of the significant investment the Scottish Government is making in transport infrastructure right across Scotland," Yousaf added.