AYRSHIRE drivers are being warned of delays to their journey after it was announced that 'essential structural works' are to be carried out on a stretch of the A77.

Temporary traffic lights will be in place for six days on part of the trunk road, with phased closures of the northbound and southbound carriageways set to take place.

Amey, the firm responsible for maintaining the trunk roads network in south-west Scotland, says the work will take place during daylight hours from Monday, March 13 until Saturday, March 18.

The company says the work will benefit around 3,400 vehicles using the route each day.

The work will take place, and the traffic lights in operation, between 8am and 5pm each day.

The investigation work, according to Amey, will affect the A77 in Ballantrae - understood to be at the bridge over the River Stinchar.

A spokesperson said said: "The investigations shall aid the development of the forthcoming refurbishment scheme which will eventually benefit around 3,400 vehicles using this route each day, by ensuring the safe operation of the bridge and reducing the potential for more extensive maintenance in the future. 

"The work will be carried out using phased closures of both the northbound and southbound carriageways of the A77, with daytime temporary traffic lights in place.

"We thank road users for their patience and co-operation while this essential work takes place."