Morrison Construction has been named preferred bidder for a £31.6m contract with Transport Scotland to design and build the A96 Fochabers and Mosstodloch Bypass.

The plans for the project is to re-route the A96 trunk road at Fochabers and Mosstodloch, which are close to Inverness and Aberdeen, so that it does not run directly through the towns.

Associated works to be carried out include earthworks, drainage, road markings, signing, bridges, minor structures, environmental barriers, accommodation works, service diversions and incorporate a five year defects rectification period.

The project is set to be completed in 2011/12.