John Reid, Angus Council’s site representative on the project, said, “This is one of the most important stretches of the new road and, because it will also feature the first of the grade-separated junctions that drivers on the road will have come across, we are asking all motorists to take particular care and to observe the signs and speed limits.

“We would also stress that, although people using the road will be able to see the other section of the new dual carriageway running parallel, this is still going to be a two-way road.

“Local people who have become used to the present set-up should, hopefully, be familiar with how they must conduct themselves, but we are now getting towards the time of year when people from outside the Angus area will be coming here on holiday and so on, so everyone must be especially cautious.”

As of Tuesday, drivers travelling between Arbroath and Dundee will no longer have to go through the “chicanes” at the entrance and exit to Muirdrum, or through the village itself, and will instead have a “free run” to the south of the village over the new bridge at Battie’s Den.

Mr Reid said, “This will, no doubt, be a very welcome relief for the motoring public who, quite understandably, have become a little frustrated at the various restriction in place in this area.

“The people who, I think, will notice the change most, however, are the residents of Muirdrum itself.

“As far as we are aware, the main coast road has gone through the middle of the village since time immemorial —Muirdrum probably grew up around the junction to Carnoustie and Forfar — so it will probably feel a little strange there when the noise of passing traffic suddenly ceases.”

The new section of road will be the west-bound route of the dual carriageway — heading towards Dundee from Arbroath — and new arrangement will be in place for drivers wishing to turn off for Carnoustie and Forfar.

Mr Reid said, “The grade-separated junction will be in operation as if it was a ‘proper’ dual carriageway and our engineers and safety experts have put in place a system to ensure that no-one should end up going the wrong way or missing their turn-off.

“It could, potentially, be a bit confusing at first for people who have become used to the Muirdrum route but, if everyone exercises the same kind of caution and patience that they have as the other parts of the road have come into use, there should be no problems.

“Tayside Police will be on site for the actual opening and for a period afterwards to monitor the situation but my message to all motorists would simply be to keep to the speed limits and watch out for the signs.

“The usual 40 mph speed restriction will be enforced on the new section, as much to protect motorists as for the safety of members of the workforce who will still be working alongside the road.”