Lengthy tailbacks through Macduff and Banff have forced Aberdeenshire Council to push back the timing of repairs to a historic crossing.
Work started on Banff Bridge last week, but traffic lights intended to calm the flow of traffic led to gridlock across both towns.
Council workers will resume efforts to resurface the narrow footpath on Wednesday – but this time the scheme will take place between 6.30pm and midnight in the hope of avoiding a repeat of the problems.
Philip McKay, the local authority’s head of roads and landscape services, said: “The first phase of these works was carried out on Wednesday, July 8, during normal working hours, which caused considerable traffic disruption and Aberdeenshire Council would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.
“The works next week should cause significantly less disruption. Furthermore, works that were being carried out at the same time on Deveron Bridge near Turriff have been completed a week ahead of schedule, thus reducing any knock-on effect.”
The work on Banff Bridge – which carries the A98 Fraserburgh to Fochabers road across the River Deveron – is the latest in a series of repairs over the years.
Locals have called for the narrow crossing to be replaced, however a new bridge could cost as much as £3million to build.
Elsewhere, Queen’s Road in Boddam will be closed between Russell Street and Gordon Street on Monday, July 20, for 24 hours to allow Scottish Water to carry out work.
An alternative route will be available through Russell Street, New Street and Harbour Street.
Pedestrians will be unaffected.