A traffic order lodged by Aberdeen City Council suggests a new section of the AWPR could open early next month.

Transport chiefs have insisted the bypass is on target to open by late autumn although an official opening date has yet to be revealed.

However a new traffic order lodged by Aberdeen City Council shows drivers should use the A90 AWPR as an alternative route during a temporary road closure of Malcolm Road in Peterculter.

The traffic restriction would begin at 5.30am on October 6, indicating part of the new route could be open by early next month, but Transport Scotland has remained tight-lipped.

North-east Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald said: “We should assume nothing at this stage until it’s actually happened, however this can only be a promising sign.

“People in Aberdeen and the north-east have been waiting for the AWPR to open for some time and they’ll be hoping that this means the wait is finally over.”

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The Evening Express revealed earlier this week that road workers have been forced to make repairs to several parts of the new route, after it was damaged at an event to celebrate its creation.

It is understood, apart from repair work to the new Don bridge, the rest of the £745 million route is finished and ready for drivers.

A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “We are looking forward to delivering the benefits of the new road at the earliest opportunity.

“We have made it clear to the contractor that the road should open as soon as it is safe to do so.

“However, Aberdeen Roads Limited has confirmed that the road is not yet ready to open to traffic.

“They will receive no payment for sections of the road until it is fully open.

“Transport Scotland will provide advance notice to road users prior to the opening date.”

Sections of the new bypass have opened already including the Balmedie to Tipperty and Parkhill to Goval sections.