CONTRACTS have been confirmed for a Maybole Bypass on the A77 after an announcement by Transport Scotland.

The major infrastrcucture contract to improve the vital South West A77 route has been awarded to Wills Bros Civil Engineering Limited. 

Ayr Advertiser:

The 31.5m construction contract is set to transform the local area bringing added economic benefits during contruction. 

The project will bring a new 5km Bypass diverting traffic away from the centre of Maybole. 

And the new road will separate local traffic from those travelling longer distances. 

The main road is on route to ferry ports to Northern Ireland at Cairnryan and journey time is set to be cut by the move. 

Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity said:

“The local community will benefit from opportunities created for small and medium enterprises to bid for subcontractor roles and the provision of at least four vocational and seven professional, site-based training opportunities. The contractor anticipates that the project could employ up to 165 people, during the months of peak construction activity, a number of which are created by the project.

“We recognise the strategic importance of providing good transport links on the major routes to the key port at Cairnryan.

“Today’s announcement continues to build upon the significant investment already delivered across ten improvement projects since 2007 on the A77 and A75. 

“Delivering the Maybole Bypass will provide better journey time reliability for road users as well as improved safety and environmental benefits for the local community.”

Jeane Freeman constituency MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley said: "The hard work of the members of the Maybole Bypass Committee has paid off.

"I look forward to seeing this project progress and bring real benefits to Maybole and to road users of the A77."