JEANE Freeman MSP has welcomed the shortlist of bidders to deliver the A77 Maybole bypass.

The announcement that came last week includes Farrans Roadbridge, John Paul Construction, R J McLeod and Wills Bros, who have been invited to participate in the next stage of the procurement competition.

The next stage will see the four bidders enter a commercially sensitive period of competitive dialogue which will last until autumn 2018, seeing the successful bidder being required to build a new 5km off-line bypass and associated junctions.

The MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley said: “This announcement from Transport Scotland is further confirmation that the Scottish Government is committed to delivering the much-needed bypass.

"A lot of hard work has been carried out by those involved in getting to this stage and they deserve a massive thank you from the people of Maybole.

“The next step in Maybole’s journey can then begin with plans to improve and restore historic buildings and public places helping to improve local economic prosperity.”

Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and Islands, added: “This announcement marks another significant milestone towards delivering a bypass for the town of Maybole and comes hot on the heels of ground investigation work which got underway earlier this month.

“The Scottish Government remains committed to delivering the Maybole Bypass and recent progress will enable work to press ahead in the New Year to bring much needed relief for the Maybole community as well as improving journey times for long distance road users.”

Following the award of the construction contract, work is expected to get underway on the main construction by the end of 2018.