Rail services between Dundee and Aberdeen are facing Sunday shutdowns over six weekends as multi-million-pound works are carried out on an Angus level crossing.
The Network Rail project at Carnoustie will also hit local drivers, with diversions likely for extended periods from early next month until mid-March.
Alternative arrangements are being put in place for train users during the £5.5 million scheme.
Returning rugby fans’ travel plans are likely to be affected as the closure falls on two Six Nations weekends at Murrayfield.
The existing two-barrier crossing is being replaced by a four-barrier set-up.
Signalling equipment will be upgraded and the level crossing will be completely resurfaced.
A wider work programme on the east coast line means no trains will operate between Dundee and Aberdeen on February 10, 17 and 24 and March 3, 10 and 17.
The level crossing will be closed to traffic from the evening of Saturday February 9 until the morning of Monday February 18 and from the evening of Saturday March 9 until the morning of Monday March 18.
A spokesman for Network Rail said: “This work is required to keep our signalling equipment and level crossing in good condition, benefit train service performance and improve safety at the level crossing.
“The equipment we use means some disturbance is unavoidable for those residents close to the level crossing, but we will make every effort to minimise the impact of this work on the local community.”
A community drop-in event will be held in the Station Hotel, Carnoustie, on Wednesday from 4.30-7.30pm so locals can learn more and Carnoustie residents are being sent details of the project.
North East MSP Bill Bowman said: “This is a regrettable disruption to a large swathe of rail services between Dundee and north-east Scotland.
“But the work must be needed, and there was a points failure at Carnoustie only last week.”
