The final plans have been unveiled to improve traffic flow at the Haudagain roundabout.
Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf, revealed the designs for work at the roundabout which is notorious for congestion.
If there is no legal challenge, construction will begin on the project at the end of this year after the AWPR has been completed.
Mr Yousaf said: “For years, drivers in the north east have endured tailbacks and delays at the A90/A96 Haudagain roundabout.
“We have been unwavering in our commitment to improve traffic at the Haudagain to provide much-needed relief to drivers and communities in the area and find a solution to this longstanding bottleneck.
“Following completion of the necessary preparatory work, we are now publishing the Made Orders for the scheme.
“We have said all along that we want to be ready to hit the ground running and start work at Haudagain once the AWPR is complete.
“The new route is currently scheduled to open in winter 2017-18, and this announcement means we remain on target to do this.”
North-east MSP and Scottish Conservative Transport spokesman, Liam Kerr, responded he was pleased the plans had been unveiled.
But he added: “While it is good to see final designs published, motorists in the north east will just want the Scottish Government to get on with this work.
“A lack of investment in our road infrastructure over the years has been rightly highlighted by the business community as a hindrance to economic growth.
“The Haudagain upgrade, along with the AWPR and Third Don Crossing, will help Aberdeen catch up to other Scottish cities which have long benefited from higher levels of government spending.”
Mr Kerr is also seeking assurances about the timeframe for the work at the Haudagain.
He said: “This has taken so long to come to fruition that I am concerned at the Minister’s caveats around legal challenges and the completion of the AWPR happening on time.
“We’ve already seen the latter’s timescale edging out. I’d also like a firm commitment on a date of completion for the Haudagain works.”