Motorists face weeks of disruption and lengthy diversions after Storm Frank struck a major north-east road.
Aberdeenshire Council confirmed last night that the A93 Ballater to Braemar road is likely to be “closed to traffic for a number of weeks” as a result of the damage.
The council and police confirmed on Wednesday that the route had been shut between the Bridge of Gairn and Crathie as a result of pressure from the River Dee.
And the full extent of the damage could be witnessed yesterday as a gap of around 20 yards had emerged where the road had once been.
The local authority has now stated that motorists travelling out of Braemar face severe disruption as the only access route is through Blairgowrie.
A spokeswoman for Aberdeenshire Council said: “The issues caused by flooding restricting vehicle access to the Invercauld Bridge in Braemar means access is only available via Blairgowrie.
“Pedestrian access is available, but the restriction is in place for motorists’ safety and barriers should not be removed, or driven around.
“Work is currently being carried out to look at solutions, however it is likely to remain closed to traffic for a number of weeks.
“Emergency services are aware of the restrictions and have contingency plans in place to manage ‘blue light’ emergencies.”
On Thursday, the Ballater Bridge was reopened meaning that the town can now be accessed from the South Deeside Road.
And the spokeswoman for Aberdeenshire Council insisted support was available to those affected by the flooding.
She said: “Today, from 10am, housing officers will be available at the Victoria and Albert Halls in Ballater to talk to residents and offer advice on a range of issues.
“Welfare support is also continuing for those who need it at the hall too.
“Local authorities and partner agencies will continue to monitor information from SEPA and the Met Office and are aware of weather warnings in place in order to take action as necessary and provide support.”