A revised road layout design has been drawn up following complaints about traffic calming measures in Fettercairn.
Alterations were previously carried out on the B966 at the Royal Arch in Fettercairn to realign the road and install narrowing devices to prevent the 1864 B-listed structure from being damaged.
The junction to the south of the arch was reconfigured with kerbing installed to narrow the junction and prevent heavy goods vehicles from passing under it.
Local businesses say the traffic calming measures are putting their livelihoods at risk with a decline in revenue being described as “catastrophic”.
Aberdeenshire Council’s head of roads Philip McKay said it will hold an exhibition of the proposed “engineering solution” in due course.
He said: “We have been working on a revised road layout design for the Royal Arch in Fettercairn and are keen to bring an update to the community soon.
“Our plan is to hold an exhibition of the proposed engineering solution, with council officers on hand to answer any questions.
“We had hoped we’d be able to make use of the local hall for this purpose but as it is currently unavailable we’re looking at alternative venues and will confirm a time and date for the session in due course.”
Road users have continued to face issues with vehicles often incurring severe damage or becoming stuck due to the layout of the road.
Motorists are being known to avoid using the B966 route altogether rather than risk damage to their vehicles by passing under the Royal Arch.
North East Scotland Conservative MSP Liam Kerr urged the council to get on with it and said local residents shouldn’t be kept waiting.
He said: “While it is good to hear that some progress is being made, I think the local community will feel a little frustrated that the council doesn’t just get on with it.
“It is all well and good to say that there will be a consultation on the design, but we are now into the summer months.
“It is a very busy time and we can’t really afford to wait.
“I had hoped there would be a way of addressing the problem in the short term, to get the road operational, before a longer-term solution was found.
“However, it sounds as if local residents will be kept waiting for some time yet.”
