A West End community leader has said he no longer has concerns over changes to Riverside Drive.
The main thoroughfare is to be reduced from four lanes to two as part of wide range of works designed to open up the waterfront.
The plans had received criticism from West End Community Council leader Andrew McBride, who warned the change could cause gridlock, as well as the city’s civic trust and the taxi association.
The proposals were approved following a consultation on June 23 and Mr McBride said many of his concerns have now been allayed.
He told The Courier: “I went down to see the council officers and they seemed quite convinced that this is a good thing. Personally, I am certainly less concerned now than I was.
“It is not exactly as I initially thought. It does not really involve the closure of the two lanes along the entire carriageway between the bridge and Tesco roundabout.
“Much of the road currently will be used to provide turns. I did raise my worry about the possible creation of a bottle neck around Riverside approach.
“It can often get busy there and be difficult to turn out but I’m hoping the council will install a filter traffic light to accompany the toucan crossing by Barnetts.”
After the works have been completed, for traffic coming from the west towards the roundabout, there will be a left-turn only lane giving access to the supermarket and the new flats being built on the adjacent site.
For traffic coming from the east, there will be a right-turn only lane.
The pavement on the north side of the road between the roundabout and the rail bridge will be widened, with landscaping between the path and road to improve pedestrian safety.
Mr McBride added that, although the roadworks could cause delays, he has every confidence they will be well organised.
“Delays during roadworks are always difficult but are ultimately something you have to accept,” he said.
“The traffic management around the waterfront redevelopment has broadly been very good and there have only been minor delays, so I hope the same will be true on Riverside Drive,” he added.
The works will begin on Monday and are expected to take around eight weeks.