A busy city centre street in Aberdeen has now been partially closed as the £107million Mariscahl Square moves up a gear.
Northbound traffic has been banned from Broad Street for 18 months as work continues on the development.
The road is closed between Queen Street and Upper Kirkgate.
The restrictions – which apply to all traffic except buses and emergency vehicles – are in place while construction teams extend Muse Developments’ project.
Southbound traffic will not be affected by the construction work.
Opponents of the scheme vowed to continue their fight to stop work on the hotel and retail complex being built.
But finance convener Willie Young warned the city would be “bankrupted” if they went back on the deal.
In another blow to drivers Union Terrace is to be closed for around eight weeks.
The city council confirmed the slip road at Union Terrace will close from November 16 to allow the ice rink to be put up.
The full closure of Union Terrace will come into force from November 21 to January 8 but it might open earlier.
Last night, council chiefs asked drivers to be patient while the restrictions are in place.
Infrastructure committee convener Neil Cooney said that the development would be “worth the wait”.
He said: “It’s a case of short-term pain for long-term gain.
“Obviously people will be frustrated at these restrictions but as they are to be in place for 18 months it’s something people will have to get used to.
“The acid test will be when we close Union Terrace.
“I would ask motorists for their patience and to perhaps look at other ways, like using public transport, to get to their destination.”
But long-term critics of the development hit back last night questioning why the city would be put through a year and a half of “chaos” for the scheme.
Lorna McHattie, of the Reject Marischal Square Development campaign group, said: “I think what they’re doing in Broad Street will be a total mess.
“People are going to struggle just for this unpopular development to be created.”