The building of the new Aberdeen bypass could be delayed by up to two years because of a legal challenge, it has been claimed .
Road Sense, the campaign group set up to oppose the proposed road on environmental grounds, said it had instructed lawyers to begin action against the Scottish government's decision to give the go-ahead to the plans.
As there is a time limit on spending , the funding for similar projects will be lost unless a number of quick alternatives are identified.
The Scottish government has already received bypass suggestions for Airdrie, Coatbridge, Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly, and Parkhead.
No challenges are anticipated.