The Castlegate could also be opened to traffic, with Broad Street shut to create a new civic square.

BBC: Warning on Aberdeen Union Street pedestrianisation plan

Last Sunday, an overflow car park in a grass field adjacent to the site had to be opened to accommodate the stream of traffic even though it was rainy day.

BBC: Ireland's very own 'Northern Rock'

The road was opened to some traffic a few days later, only to be blocked again by another mudslide.

ECONOMIST: Endless rain exacts a heavy toll