The online petition has attracted more than 1,000 names

Transport Minister Tavish Scott is understood to have two options for the controversial development through the suburb of Milltimber.

An announcement on the preferred route is now expected to be made sometime next week.

Meanwhile, an online petition against the proposed Aberdeen bypass has attracted more than 1,200 names.

Objectors oppose the need for a road through Milltimber, which was chosen after plans to route it via a community with learning difficulties were rejected.

The electronic petition has been posted on the Scottish Parliament's website by Paddy Imhof, a local farmer, and has now been signed by almost 1,300 people.

'Transport debate'

It has put the petition in the top 20 of the parliament's online campaigns.

Mr Imhof believes it is not too late to stop the road and his petition has attracted support from other campaign groups.

Mr Imhof said: "It was wonderful to see the ePetition break through the 1,000 signature barrier.

"That shows that there are an awful lot of people out there who are concerned about the controversial Aberdeen bypass.

"The petition has started a local transport debate, people want to know what their tax money is actually buying and are questioning the decision making process."

The bypass project team said it was understandable that those who could be affected by the route were petitioning, but that the team would continue to work to alleviate concerns.

They said the bypass would form part of a modern transport system linking into the whole region.