Ground investigation work to improve a notorious traffic bottleneck in the north-east have started.
Once completed the results will provide companies bidding for the £11million contract for the Inveramsay Bridge with the necessary information on conditions to help them form their designs.
For years motorists have clamoured for an end to the one-way traffic lights under the bridge on the A96 Aberdeen-Inverness road.
Earlier this month Balfour Beatty Regional Civil Engineering, RJ McLeod (Contractors), Morrison Construction and Farrans Construction were invited to submit tenders for the project.
Transport Minister Keith Brown visited the site yesterday to see the start of the investigation work.
“The start of ground investigation works is another significant step in addressing one of the most notorious bottlenecks in the north-east of Scotland, and will help ensure that full construction work can get under way at Inveramsay before the year is out,” he said.
“Road users will soon feel the benefits of improved journey time reliability and free-flowing traffic and, as we will be removing the risk of rail bridge strikes affecting traffic flows, less congestion and a much improved journey experience.”