A new slip road built as part of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) will be open to traffic for the first time this weekend.
The route to the south of Stonehaven will allow motorists to join the A90 Aberdeen to Dundee road from the town.
However, it will be subject to temporary traffic signals and off-peak closures while the work at the nearby junction and bridge takes place.
The existing slip road for motorists heading north from Stonehaven will remain open.
A Transport Scotland spokesman urged motorists to exercise caution when using the route.
He said:”We expect this new slip road to reduce the levels of traffic within Stonehaven, particularly at peak times, because it provides road users with an additional option for their journey.
“Road users who previously had to drive through Stonehaven, will now be able to join the A90 sooner, removing the need to drive through the town centre.
“This will help to minimise the impact of the complex construction works currently underway in the area.
“We would also like to remind road users that this is a significant change to the existing road layout in this area.
“As with any change to road layout, we strongly encourage road users to drive with more caution than usual.
“We would also kindly request drivers to observe all of the signage and speed limits that are in place to enhance the safety of road users and road workers.”
