A project to widen one of the North-east’s busiest roads has taken another step forward.

Transport Scotland is seeking route options for the dualling of the A96 between Aberdeen and Huntly.

The contract for thedesign consultancy work is expected to be awarded later in the year.

Last year, Transport Scotland said it would be 2019 before a “preferred option” for the Aberdeenshire leg of the project was identified.

Proposals being considered by the body for the “eastern section” of the A96 route that links Inverness and the Granite City include a dual carriageway from Blackburn to just north of Huntly, passing west of Inverurie. Another is a smaller eastern bypass connecting Inverurie and the Glens of Foudland.

Cabinet Secretary for the 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 Highlands.”