The £1 billion waterfront regeneration could bring the city to a halt, it has been claimed.
Fears have been raised that a major traffic issue could develop along a key route.
As part of the new grid pattern of roads at the central waterfront, traffic lights have been installed on Thomson Avenue, between West Marketgait and East Dock Street, adding to existing pedestrian crossings.
There are six sets of traffic lights along a 300-metre stretch.
Poles have been installed in two other locations, sparking concerns more lights will be added before work is complete.
Willie Lees, president of the GMB Dundee WAV (wheelchair-accessible vehicles) taxi branch, said: “It’s going to affect traffic big time at peak times it will just create a bottleneck.
“I hope that the council have really thought about it, but I suspect there will be serious teething problems.”
Councillor Craig Melville, who represents the Maryfield ward, said: “It’s always been a main route and therefore prone to traffic but these changes should actually make things better.”
RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “All we can hope is that it has been planned for so it will not have the dramatic negative effect on traffic flow that every motorist in the Dundee area no doubt fears.”
Dundee Civic Trust has raised concern over traffic management at the waterfront before.
Neil Gellatly, head of roads and transport for the council, said previously: “The waterfront is a major entry point into Dundee city centre we are aware that there will be significant traffic flows in the area and we have fully considered this.
“We are therefore confident that the proposed layouts will be able to handle future traffic demands without significant congestion and delay while also providing improved access.”