The regeneration of south Montrose is attracting investment of almost £100 million to the Angus town, officials claim.
They also say the boost to the local economy could lead to more than 300 jobs in the area.
The claims come as Angus Council held an all-day public information event at the George Hotel yesterday for visitors, who were shown the path of the new road through the southern edge of town.
Many were residents from the streets concerned.
Work on the realigned route is now under way in Ferry Road and Barrack Road.
Funded by Scottish Enterprise, the £550,000 programme to improve road access should be complete by April.
Negotiations to buy a small number of properties on the route are continuing.
However, it is anticipated further work at Wharf Street, River Street, Mill Lane and Ferry Street will start in the second half of 2016.
Taking the overall cost of the roads programme to about £3 million, the project should be complete by late 2017.
In addition, paths will be improved along with street lighting and landscaping.
The south Montrose regeneration emerged from the Angus local plan review, which identified both redundant land and buildings in the area and the issues caused by a long-term lack of investment.
Since then, the council has worked with the private sector and other agencies to redevelop and attract investment to the port and south of the town.
Montrose Port Authority has now opened a £6 million quay and GlaxoSmithKline is building an aluminium salts facility as part of a £50 million investment plan, which also includes a £25 million active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing facility.
Rix (Shipping) Scotland is set to undertake a multimillion-pound redevelopment of three sites and lifting products and service firm Certex has opened larger premises.
The council says it also has commitments and plans from other investors.
drhind@thecourier.co.uk