Construction work on an historic Aberdeen bridge has been rearranged in an attempt to ease gridlock ahead of a major agricultural show.
Essential maintenance of the Rob Roy Bridge in Peterculter will cost around £530,000 and will last around 26 weeks, starting on Monday.
But council chiefs have decided to minimise the works on Saturday, July 30 to allow easier access to the Banchory Show.
Council officers, in conjunction with the contractors, have arranged for some of the work to be rescheduled so a lane on the bridge can be kept open on the day of the show.
On that weekend, the full closure will only take place from 7pm on July 29 until 6am the next day.
An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman said: “Motorists should note that there will still be a single lane closure with traffic lights in operation, it might still be advisable to find an alternate route if you are planning to attend the show.”
The works involve the demolition of the reinforced concrete section of the bridge, which will be rebuilt to modern standards. During the whole of the contract, there will be traffic lights in operation.
The original masonry arch was built around 1800 and the arch beam/column north section was built around 1920.
There will also be occasional full road closures – limited to weekends only – to allow the safe installation and removal of the aqueduct protection system and demolition plant.
The signed diversion route will be via the B9077 South Deeside Road.