It was one of the most dangerous roads in Tayside and now it is being described as “tremendous”.
The A92 from Dundee to Arbroath duel carriageway opened on September 27, 10 years ago at a cost of £53 million.
Since then, the number of road traffic fatalities has significantly reduced, according to community leaders.
Despite there having been 18 serious accidents on the road in the last 10 years, there have be no fatal accidents in that time period.
It was once known for being littered with accident black spots but has seen drastic safety improvements in the 10 years since it was made into a dual carriageway.
Previously, the route had severe issues with road accidents, including a high number of head-on collisions, often due to cars overtaking.
One incident claimed the life of 30-year-old Fife resident Simon Lee Corner, whose motorbike collided with two vehicles on the opposite side of the road, in September 1996.
The crash led the then Angus East MP Andrew Welsh to call for upgrading of the road as “a matter of urgency’’.
Another case which showed the precarious nature of the road was 30-year-old Dundonian James Murray — who was killed on November 28 1996, when his car was involved a crash with a lorry and van.
Angus Police Inspector Ally Robertson, the county’s deputy area commander, thinks that the steps taken 10 years ago were imperative and have had a hugely positive impact on the work that police carry out in the area.
He said: “I actually can’t believe its been 10 years since the A92 was duelled — it doesn’t seem that long ago.
“Road safety is a huge thing for us and from our perspective fatalities from 10 years ago on the road were significantly higher than now. The number of accidents have been significantly reduced. The benefits of duelling the A92 road have been wide reaching.
“It isn’t just in terms of reducing casualties. There have been extensive industrial benefits since the work was done 10 years ago.
“We do patrol the road and will continue to do so, but the last 10 years have definitely seen a drastic improvement.
“I would say that it’s been a huge benefit to the area and the local communities that it serves. You can ask the people in Arbroath, Monifieth and Carnoustie and they will tell you just how much the work improved the road.
“It is tremendous now. It is a great road that has had a really positive impact on the whole, as far as we are concerned. From an engineering standpoint it is a great road with well set out slip roads and other technical aspects.
“We are delighted there has been a significant reduction in casualties.”
Councillor Donald Morrison, who represents Arbroath East and Lunan, said: “When you look at the road itself you just think ‘what a feat’.
“It is remarkable that it’s the 10-year anniversary of the duelling being done. I remember how bad the road was, there was a large number of accidents taking place and the number of accidents was tremendous.
“The last 10 years have seen safety significantly improved upon and there are far less accidents now.
“The rate has been greatly reduced and that was one of the main reasons for the work being carried out to make it into a dual carriageway.”