Aberdeenshire Council has asked motorists facing a 15-mile diversion on a busy commuter route to be patient while urgent maintenance is carried out.
A short stretch of the notorious A947 Aberdeen to Banff road will be closed at Fyvie, forcing drivers to take a detour via Methlick.
Last njight e stressed the resurfacing work is vital to keeping north-east motorists safe.
The local authority’s roads chief Philip McKay said: “Aberdeenshire Council recognises that the A947 is a vital transport link in the north-east.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused during the works, but hope that the public will appreciate that these repairs and improvements are essential and for the benefit of all road-users.”
Eight people have been killed and a further 38 seriously injured on the A947 Aberdeen to Banff road in the last five years.
Councillor Anne Roberts, a Fyvie resident, said the planned repairs should be tied in with future upgrades of the route.
“I’ve said it at Formartine area committees in the past when we’ve had papers about the A947 route improvement study, the road’s maintenance has to be aligned with the ambitions and the objectives of making that route as safe as possible,” she said.
“I’d appeal to motorists for their patience in terms of working with the council to make sure the surface is in as good a condition as possible.
“We have have to make sure the road is safe.”
Earlier this year, the council’s strategy manager Mark Skilling revealed the council would be undertaking a 20-year improvement plan on the A947.
It will involve talking to the farming community and residents in the towns and villages along the route about their concerns.
The A947 will be closed between Fyvie and Petty from Monday, September 7 for two weeks to allow for the resurfacing works.
The closure will be in effect between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. The road will be open at weekends with a speed restriction in place.
Pedestrian, emergency and school transport access will be maintained, as will vehicle access to affected properties where possible.