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

Drivers took some convincing, though, as with nothing left to do but chant the mantra, “It’ll be lovely when it’s finished,” they sat in tailbacks on their increasingly-complicated diverted journeys. Now there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

The first phase of road re-opening is due to take place on Wednesday, when traffic will again be allowed to use the Nethergate/Marketgait junction.

The junction was closed to allow the renewal of gas and water mains in the area by Scotland Gas Networks and Scottish Water, connection works in the Central Waterfront by various utilities, environmental improvements in Nethergate involving footway reconstruction and realignment of the South Marketgait.

However, from Wednesday, traffic will again 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 weather-dependent work is able to proceed ahead of schedule.

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

A car park with more than 120 long-stay spaces off the South Marketgait will open on Saturday (October 29). 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 development site 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 on the road network around the city centre is seen as essential for the busy festive season 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 after New Year, these will use contraflow restrictions and the road will not be closed to traffic, he added.