Aberdonians are facing yet more city centre travel chaos this week following the closure of Broad Street.
The thoroughfare has been blocked off until Friday evening while contractors carry out a series of repairs.
Broad Street re-opened in August last year following a £3.2million revamp to turn it into a “pedestrian-oriented” space, with buses and bicycles the only vehicles allowed.
Yesterday workmen could be seen digging up paving slabs at the road’s entrance and exit ramps.
A source told The Press and Journal the work was necessary as they had previously only been installed as a temporary road surface.
They added that the kerbs had also begun to sink in a number of places.
In the meantime the junction between Gallowgate and Upperkirkgate has been reduced to one lane, with traffic lights allowing cars to flow in both directions.
Once complete, work will switch over to the other lane, it is understood.
The works follow the partial closure of Schoolhill to allow for a new entrance plaza to be laid outside Aberdeen Art Gallery, with the section currently one-way only.
Broad Street’s closure has added to this, forcing diversions for a number of bus routes which pass through the city centre.
First Aberdeen’s 8, 11, 17, 17A, 172, 18, 19 and X27 services are all being redirected via King Street.
A spokesman for the transport operator said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused due to circumstances out with our control.”
A council spokeswoman said: “Broad Street will be closed to buses this week while road repair work on Gallowgate is undertaken, weather permitting.
“The works are part of the snagging process, which is standard for a project of this nature.
“First Bus were informed in advance and bus diversions are in place.”
Ward councillor Dell Henrickson said: “The public will likely think it unbelievable that we are here again with extensive work required on a road that was only completed a year ago.
“Many folk will be asking what’s next.”
Earlier this year Broad Street was described as “verging on shambolic” after a number of drains began to show signs of collapsing.
Cracks could be seen forming on the paving stones and cassies nearby, with some wobbling and making cracking sounds as buses drove over them.
The council said these were also snagging issues which posed no safety risks.
