Commuters who use the A90 Aberdeen to Fraserburgh road are facing weeks of delays as Transport Scotland brings traffic lights into effect near Balmedie.
Last night, the organisation claimed the introduction of the temporary measures at the Old Road junction to the village was designed to “ensure the continued safety of all road users”.
However, Transport Scotland could not say how long the traffic lights – which will be in operation during peak times of 6am until 9.30am and 3.30pm to 7pm – would be in place.
The A90 is being upgraded between Balmedie and Tipperty as part of the £745million Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route project.
The project to dual the road to Balmedie is scheduled to be completed by spring, 2017.
In addition, the Eigie Road junction on the A90, to the south of Balmedie, closed yesterday – for an unspecified amount of time – as part of work to construct a new grade-separated crossing.
A 50mph speed restriction is already in place on the A90 at Balmedie.
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “AWPR/B-T (Balmedie to Tipperty) project works have been ongoing at Balmedie, but the changes, which are about to take place, are the most significant to date.
“We strongly advise road users to plan their routes before they set off on their journey.
“As with any changes to road layout, we recommend all drivers using these routes apply more caution than usual.”
Chairman of the Belhelvie Community Trust and Balmedie Congregational Church, Rev Andy Cowie, responded: “Obviously, there are going to be people who are upset. Traffic lights will slow things down, but maybe it makes for a safer junction.
“It would only take one bad accident to cause that disaster to a family.
“The AWPR will be a great asset to the north-east of Scotland, but of course, there is always a cost to making improvements. The majority of the locals appreciate why it is being done.”
A spokeswoman for Stagecoach North Scotland said: “During the closure of the A90-Eigie Road junction, services 60, 61, 62, 62A, N62 and 63 will be required to divert from their usual route.”
