In a report to councillors, planning and transportation director Mike Galloway said the removal and reconstruction of the various on and off ramps was due to begin in 2008, following the strengthening of the Dock Street railway tunnel which is currently being undertaken.

“Following completion of this work there would be eight parcels of land surplus to the Tay Road Bridge Joint Board’s function, but which will be part of the land for the central waterfront infrastructure or development sites,” he said.

It is intended to buy the land in the current financial year, with the exception of one plot covering the carriageways and ramps. Mr Galloway said that plot should not be transferred to the council until a contract is about to be put in place for removal.

The bridge board has already agreed to dispose of the land to the council at the district valuer’s valuation.

A valuation originally obtained in February 2005 has had to be updated as it transpired that two of the plots were in the council’s ownership.

Mr Galloway said the value of the various plots to be sold had been put at £825,000, inclusive of compensation for loss of income from the Commercial Street car park.

He said the cost would be met entirely from the Cities Growth Fund, which is made available to the council by the Scottish Executive.