The total cost of the constructing the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) has raised up to £1 billion, according to local sources.

The bypass is being built under a £745 million fixed price contract but different problems had resulted in additional costs that “run into hundreds of millions”. Problems were linked to the poor weather which has hindered construction work, as well as delays from diverting essential utility services. These had contributed to the construction firm Carillion – which had also been involved in the AWPR project – becoming insolvent.

Balfour Beatty and Galliford Try are now in talks with Transport Scotland in a bid to see if they can claw back extra public funds.

Work on the 36-mile road had been due to be completed in the spring of this year, after it was hit by delays. But further problems have seen the opening date pushed back, with contractors now hoping the final section of the roadway could be open before Christmas.