The firm will replace the existing bridge reducing the chances of bridge strikes and realign the road to improve journey times.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “This project – along with progress made on the dualling of the A96 and A9 as well as the pre-commencement works on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route-Balmedie-Tipperty scheme – represents billions of pounds of investment and underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensuring that the transport infrastructure in the north and north-east of Scotland is fit for purpose.

“We want to see an early solution to this particular bottleneck and today’s announcement is welcome progress delivering on our pledge to start construction work before the end of the year.”

The improvements will take the road  west of the existing bridge towards the River Urie.

Construction is expected to start within weeks and be completed in 2016.