A delivery of beams for the Aberdeen bypass has been delayed after a worker died in the English plant that produces them.
An electrician at engineering firm Cleveland Bridge, in Darlington, died on Tuesday in an accident.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is investigating the accident after being alerted by Durham Police, and Cleveland Bridge has now also initiated its own internal inquiry.
Last night a Transport Scotland spokesman said that some of the beams the factory makes have now been delayed for the £750million AWPR project.
They were expected to arrive in the north-east this weekend, but delivery is now being rearranged.
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “Deliveries of material to construction sites are often subject to change.
“The beam deliveries scheduled for this weekend have been postponed by the supplier and Aberdeen Roads Limited is currently in discussion with the supplier to arrange a new date for delivery.”
A spokeswoman for Cleveland Bridge said that a short silence was held in the man’s memory on Wednesday.
She said: “Cleveland Bridge is a close-knit community. Everyone within the company is deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic accident and our thoughts and prayers are with our colleague’s family, friends and co-workers.
“We offer them all our deepest sympathies and support at this very sad time. Our human resources team is working to support our staff who have been affected by this accident.
“A thorough internal investigation of the incident has already been instigated and we are working closely with, and fully supporting, the Health and Safety Executive in its review.”