The work, which will see an 80m stretch of the road closed completely, is the latest phase in a major overhaul of the burgh’s sewer network which has been punctuated by a series of road and junction closures in recent months.

Scottish Gas Networks have also been carrying out upgrades in the area whilst the road surface has been lifted.

Abdul Majeed, who owns two shops in Gray Street, said he was at his wits end with the constant disruption and said his grocer and newsagent on the corner of Gray Street and Brook Street had suffered a 50% reduction in turnover this week alone.

He said the various junction closures — there are restrictions at Gray Street, St Vincent Street, King Street, Fort Street and Brook Street — had left motorists so confused they struggled to get in and out of the town easily.

He said, “If this is going to go on for weeks, it will be very bad for business.

“At the moment, it’s a total nightmare.

“I don’t know how to service deliveries to my shops. The work should be done more systematically.”

The latest phase of work has seen the creation of specialist signs advising shoppers that access to the centre of Broughty Ferry remains unchanged.

Scottish Water Solutions’ Project Manager Ally Mitchell said teaming up with Scottish Gas Networks to co-ordinate the timing of their work in the town had reduced ongoing disruption.

He said, “We’ve been speaking to local businesses in order to relieve any concerns, and to help this project run as smoothly as possible.

“In order to increase the size of this sewer it will be necessary for us to close this 80 metre stretch of Gray Street between King Street and Long Lane.

“The footpath remains open and there’s no impact on access to shops. The project will be phased in order to reduce disruption, and we’re aiming to down tools in mid-November, so Christmas shopping can get the best possible start.”

He added, “We would hope both the local community and local traders appreciate the efforts taken to ensure the ‘business as normal’ message is communicated to everyone.”

Local businesswoman Ailsa Redford — a member of the Broughty Ferry Traders Association — said she had been impressed by Scottish Water’s efforts to keep people informed.

She said, “We’re very supportive of this crucial programme. Scottish Water Solutions and contractors Morrison have kept traders fully informed on what’s happening and have provided adequate timescales.

“No time is a good time, but we’re grateful that Scottish Water has been able to sensitively schedule this work to avoid the busy Christmas period.

“And, in the long term it will help to alleviate the misery to many local businesses caused by flooding — that has to be welcomed.”

Local councillor Ken Guild said he believed the project had been carried out in a responsible manner.

He said, “The work is being phased and the contractors have been keeping in very close liaison with local members and Broughty traders.

“Some of the roadworks were actually re-phased at the request of the traders.

“One of the steps being taken is that Fisher Street has been opened up along its full length and this is specifically to ease the pressure on Brook Street.”