A giant 108ft steel bridge beam will make its way through Aberdeen today as work progresses on the long-awaited Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie-Tipperty project.
The massive girder started an epic 306-mile journey from Darlington to the Granite City last night and was expected at Strathcathro at around 10am.
Carried on a special abnormal load vehicle, the beam is to be used for the B977 Echt to Balmedie Road overbridge.
The truck will join Wellington Road from the A90 under police escort and turn left onto West Tullos Road; turn right onto the B9077 and left onto Riverside Drive before turning left onto Holburn Street.
At the Bridge of Dee roundabout, the vehicle will turn right and continue on the A90 until it reaches the Haudagain Roundabout.
The load will turn left onto Auchmill Road before continuing on the A947 towards Dyce, where it will travel along Riverview Drive.
On leaving Dyce, the vehicle will turn left on the B977 towards Hatton of Fintray, before entering the AWPR/B-T project site.
A spokesperson for the project said: “There will be a number of beam deliveries over the course of this year and 2017.
“This beam is integral to the AWPR/B-T project, which will have 75 principal structures, two river crossings, one railway bridge and over 70 culverts.
“We are working closely with Police Scotland and the local authorities to minimise any disruption that these deliveries may bring.
“We would like to thank road users and the local community for their on-going support and patience during the construction of the AWPR/B-T.”
Torry and Ferryhill councillor Alan Donnelly said the delays would be “worth the wait”.
He added: “The AWPR is crucial for the development and vibrancy of our economy.
“While people might have some delays for a few days a year, this will ultimately end years of misery on the roads in Aberdeen.”
The project is scheduled for completion next winter.