Drivers could be dicing with death after safety barriers were removed above a collapsed culvert on the South Deeside Road.

Flood water washed away subsoil under the B9077 road on the outskirts of Aberdeen leaving the route close to collapse, though the surface appeared intact.

The road has been closed between Elm Cottage and Banchory Devenick Church.

But barriers put in place for drivers’ safety have been repeatedly removed, meaning motorists could be risking their lives to shave only minutes off their commuting time.

Local councillor Ian Mollison warned that lives could be in danger as a result. He said: “The road was closed after a collapsing culvert was discovered on Monday 24 December. 

“Notices were put up by Aberdeenshire Council diverting traffic across the River Dee via the Milltimber Bridge and the Bridge of Dee.” 

However at the weekend Councillor Mollison found that the barriers had been opened and traffic was squeezing past the obstruction, not realising how dangerous it was. 

He said: “At a casual glance drivers would wonder why the road was shut. However on closer inspection it is obvious that the road could collapse. 

“I was shocked to see that the barriers had been pulled to the side. I hate to think what the consequences might be, especially at night.” 

The Liberal Democrat continued: “I contacted council officials and the barriers were replaced, and reinforced with sandbags. However once again drivers pulled them aside. 

“Repairs will be put in hand from Thursday. The emergency closure notice lasts for three weeks, and I am assured by roads officials they are confident it can be completed in that time. 

“Meanwhile I appeal to drivers to follow the diversion, no matter how inconvenient. The council does not close a road without good reason. And that reason could be to save your life.”

• Update: The road reopened on Friday 11 January. Workmen said that drivers were still trying to get past as they were fixing the subsidence under the road. Every morning when they arrived at the scene the bollards and barriers had been thrown aside.