Motorists have been warned to expect increased disruption on a north-east trunk route as work on the Aberdeen bypass ramps up in tandem with a resurfacing scheme.
The layout on the A90 Aberdeen to Dundee route at Stonehaven will change as efforts to demolish a bridge surge ahead.
The contraflow lane which is currently in place along the road as part of the AWPR scheme is expected to shift to the southbound carriageway next week if the weather allows.
The relocation of the lane will take place overnight, and will enable contractors to tear down and reconstruct the northbound carriageway section of the A90 bridge.
The contraflow will remain in place with two lanes of traffic heading northbound and one lane of traffic heading southbound.
However, it is anticipated that during the demolition of the northbound carriageway section of the bridge, that will be reduced to just one lane for northbound traffic and one lane for southbound traffic.
Both north and southbound slip roads to and from the B979 will remain open, though they will be subject to periodic closures.
A Transport Scotland spokesman urged drivers to take extra care as they negotiate their way along the section.
He said: “The continued use of a contraflow at this location will bring road users into close proximity with workers, so we are strongly encouraging road users to apply more caution than usual when driving through or nearby this section of the A90.”
Meanwhile, Bear Scotland yesterday announced a £365,000 scheme to resurface the northbound lane of the A90 at Newtonhill.
Work will start tomorrow at 7.30pm, and is expected to last for 10 nights.
The stretch has become worn after being used by more than 15,000 vehicles every day, and the improvements should make for a “smoother and safer route”.
The resurfacing should be completed by 6.30am on Friday, September 1, with no activity taking place on August 25 and 26 to avoid causing excess disruption for motorists.
Bear Scotland’s north-east representative, Andy Thompson, said: “These works will repair a number of potholes and other issues which will improve the general condition and safety of the road.”