Major roadworks that have strangled Dundee city centre in a ring of grid-locked traffic at rush hours for the past few months are to be lifted in the run-up to Christmas.

The news will also be welcomed by shopkeepers who have reported a downturn in business since the works started in April.

The roadworks marked the first phase of the central waterfront project, designed to form stronger links between the city centre and the river.

Now there is light at the end of the tunnel, with the first phase of road reopening to take place tomorrow when traffic will again be allowed to use the Nethergate/Marketgait junction.

However, from tomorrow traffic will again be able to enter and leave the city centre via Perth Road or by travelling north to the West Port roundabout.

The northbound carriageway of South Marketgait from the rail station to the Nethergate will stay closed until Monday, November 14, though that date may be brought forward if work is able to proceed ahead of schedule.

Meanwhile, to take account of the thousands of shoppers expected in the build-up to Christmas, additional parking is being prepared.

A car park with more than 120 long-stay spaces off the South Marketgait will open on Saturday. Accessed from Yeaman Shore, it can be used by monthly season ticket holders.

It is not intended as a permanent car park but makes use of a large area created by the road realignment.

The city council and Dundee Partnership are clearly aware of the impact the roadworks have had and the lifting of restrictions around the city centre is seen as essential for the busy festive period.

“We want to thank everyone—motorists, businesses and residents—for their patience while the work has been carried out,” said a council spokesman.

“The restrictions will be lifted for the run-up to the Christmas period to help the flow of traffic in and around the city centre area.”

While there will be more roadworks in South Marketgait in the new year, these will use contraflow restrictions and the road will not be closed to traffic, he added.