The new Maybole bypass has now officially opened following years of campaigning from local councillors and residents.
The Advertiser joined community councillors and local politicians for the official ribbon cutting ceremony on the morning of January 31.
It is hoped the new 5km road will improve road safety and air quality in the area while offering more reliable journey times on the A77.
The A77 provides a key strategic direct link between Glasgow and Cairnryan and until today, Maybole hosted a section of the A77 through the town’s high street.
Brian Robertson has been part of the team pushing for this new road and he is delighted that the idea has finally come to life.
He told the Advertiser: "I'm delighted for the local community because it's felt like this has been a long time coming.
"It will help a lot with traffic flow around the area, which is a benefit that will be felt by many more people than just the people of Maybole."
The campaign for the new road dates back to the 1990s. Now the transport link has finally opened, Brian hopes it can be a catalyst for the great things that are happening in the area.
He added: "With being part of the biosphere and the hopeful regeneration of the town, I hope this is a sign of great things to come for the area."
Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth was also at the official opening of the road. She hopes that the local community can benefit from the improvement in air quality.
Ms Gilruth said: “Since 2007 the Scottish Government has invested approximately £35million in four separate schemes on the A77, I am delighted to be able to open this new additional £29million 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.
“During construction the local community benefited from opportunities created for small and medium enterprises to bid for subcontractor roles and the provision of six modern apprenticeship and five graduate site-based training opportunities.
"The project employed up to 165 people during the months of peak construction activity.
“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.”
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