Forfar folk have been given assurances that safety will not be compromised during roadworks outside the fire station.
Arbroath Road is the subject of a resurfacing scheme and scheduled to be closed for the rest of the week between Montrose Road and McCulloch Drive.
However, the project rang alarm bells with locals after road closed signs went up at either end of the street that Forfar fire station sits on, prompting fears that potentially life-threatening delays to emergency response times might result.
Strang Street had been effectively closed off with barriers at both the Arbroath Road and South Street junctions.
Roads officials have now pledged that access will be maintained so local firefighters can get to and from the station.
Fire chiefs have admitted that any diversions local crews have to take might add to the turnout time when attending incidents but said they were satisfied with the alternative arrangements that will be in place for the duration of the roadworks.
Tayside Fire and Rescue watch manager Scott Macdonald said: “We have no problems at all, access-wise. The standard arrangement is that emergency vehicles will have access and the contractors have confirmed this.”
A spokesman for Angus Council said: “We contacted Tayside Fire and Rescue in January regarding our proposals for roadworks in Arbroath Road, Forfar. They raised no objections but we have been in touch with them again today and are happy to discuss any issues the roadworks are causing.
“Our contractors are required to maintain access for emergency vehicles and they are familiar with this process.
“In this case, the maximum depth of excavation is 100mm, which can be negotiated by a vehicle if necessary. Signs at the South Street end of Strang Street are in place to advise drivers not to travel in this direction if they are accessing Arbroath Road. We have asked the contractor to ensure access is maintained for Tayside Fire and Rescue.
“These roadworks were programmed for completion by the end of this week but given the disruption due to the weather, we will review the programme later in the week,” the spokesman added.