Roads bosses have agreed to reopen a broken A90 flyover to two-way traffic following concerns from local businesses.
Traffic lights were installed at the St Madoes road bridge on Tuesday, following successful safety checks.
Bear Scotland was originally worried that having four-way traffic signals could cause major tailbacks on the A90.
However, it agreed to install the temporary set-up after a final assessment of the stretch, amid increasing protests from businesses in Glencarse.
Bear Scotland also revealed vandals had struck at the bridge over the weekend, and urged motorists not to move signs and cones.
The crossing was left severely damaged after it was hit by a truck carrying an excavator at the end of October.
Last week, The Courier revealed local business owners were fearing for their livelihoods, due to continued uncertainty over the road’s future.
Many said traffic lights would help bring drivers in from both directions, rather than forcing them to take extensive detours.
On Friday, a temporary safety barrier was installed across the bridge to allow one lane to be used for motorists travelling from Glencarse to St Madoes.
Bear Scotland said further safety tests were carried out to test the suitability of the traffic light plan.
Spokesman Andy Thompson said: “We have completed all assessments and have found a safe solution which allows us to install a temporary four-way traffic light system at the structure, allowing the overbridge to reopen to both directions under one lane.
“This will help to reduce disruption to residents and businesses of Glencarse and St Madoes and avoid any diversions.”
He added: “Over the weekend, we were made aware of vandalism to some of the traffic management safety measures on the bridge, and we urge all road users to avoid moving the signs or cones that are in place for safety.
“We fully understand the frustration around the overbridge restrictions, however trunk road safety remains paramount.”
Mr Thompson said there would be no quick solution, due to the substantial damage to the beams beneath, but Bear hoped the signals would help to minimise the impact to road users.
“We thank all residents, businesses and motorists for their patience while we do everything possible to safely reopen the bridge as quickly as possible,” he said.
Michael Young, who runs the Chestnut Tree coffee shop, said trade had already improved.
“It’s like flicking a switch,” he said.
“As soon as the lights were installed this afternoon, we’ve been so much busier. I’m delighted that they’ve listened to us.”
Local Labour councillor Alisdair Bailey, who launched a petition to speed up repairs, said: “It’s fantastic to see the lights going in at the St Madoes bridge.
“The 750 people who signed my petition calling on the Scottish Government to increase the priority of these works will no doubt also be pleased that they’re being listened to.”
He added: “I will be continuing to press for the full fix to be done quickly so that the traffic lights can be removed and things get back to normal.”
The news was welcomed by Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser. “Having temporary traffic lights installed on the flyover will help the businesses, particularly in the Glencarse area who have been really struggling since the flyover was closed following the accident,” he said.
“Many of my constituents had told me the closure of the flyover had caused a major inconvenience as it meant motorists had been forced to use the flyover at Glendoick to get to and from St Madoes and Glencarse, and this had added more time to their journey.”
Tory councillor Angus Forbes, who represents the Carse of Gowrie ward, added: “I was delighted that finally Transport Scotland listened to my calls for traffic lights on this bridge. Businesses in Glencarse have been suffering for far too long now and its only right that we get traffic flowing in both directions for the convenience of resident and the success of the local businesses.”
