The new bypass for the A77 at Maybole in South Ayrshire has opened, nearly three years since work first started.
Transport Scotland said the A77 provides a key strategic direct link between Glasgow and Cairnryan and that until the opening of the bypass the town itself hosted a section of the A77 running through its high street.
It said the new 5km road separates local and strategic traffic and will improve road safety and air quality in the town while offering more reliable journey times on the A77.
According to Transport Scotland, approximately 10% of vehicles using the A77 are HGVs, which often arrive in convoy from vessels arriving at the port, causing significant strain on the road network through Maybole.
It said the restricted footpath width along Maybole High Street has presented a significant safety risk to both pedestrians and vehicle users, which increased considerably with high traffic.
Wills Bros director Jonathan Wills with Ms Gilruth. Image courtesy Transport Scotland
Newly appointed transport minister Jenny Gilruth said: ‘Since 2007 the Scottish Government has invested approximately £35m in four separate schemes on the A77. I am delighted to be able to open this new additional £29m bypass for Maybole.
‘The local community can now look forward to improved air quality and road safety, making the town centre a safer and more pleasant place to live and work.
‘I would like to pass on my gratitude to the contractor for their work in constructing the new road. As we’ve seen today, it will serve every member of the community with a road fit for the 21st century.’
The £29m construction contract was awarded to Wills Bros Civil Engineering Limited in April 2019.
John Stephens, project manager at Wills Bros, said: ‘Nearly three years since our Sod cutting ceremony in May 2019, I can confirm that we have now successfully completed and opened the A77 Maybole Bypass.'
In a newsletter in the autumn of 2019, Mr Stephens told residents: ‘Completion of the project is expected in the summer of 2021.’
Transport Scotland said that with traffic now moved on to the new bypass, Wills Bros will remain on site to undertake necessary finishing, snagging and seasonal landscaping works.
