TRANSPORT Scotland has said the newly opened £29 million Maybole bypass will improve road safety and air quality in the town.
Prior to its opening, Maybole hosted a section of the A77 – which provides a strategic direct link between Glasgow and Cairnryan – running through its high street.
With 10% of vehicles using the A77 being heavy goods vehicles, Transport Scotland said ‘significant’ strain was put on the town’s road network.
Further to this, restricted footpath width along its high street presented a ‘significant risk’ to both pedestrians and vehicle users.
The new bypass, built by Wills Bros Civil Engineering Limited, separates local and strategic traffic, which Transport Scotland said will relieve congestion in the town and improve safety and journey time reliability on the A77.
John Stephens, project manager at Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd, said, “Nearly 3 years since our SOD Cutting Ceremony in May 2019, I can now confirm that we have now successfully completed and opened the A77 Maybole Bypass.
“Will Bros would like to put on record our thanks to all the staff and subcontractors who participated in the construction of the bypass, who have worked extremely hard to overcome the various challenges to achieve completion of the project.
“We are also grateful to the local community of Maybole for their patience and continuing support during the construction phase of the project and we hope the A77 Maybole Bypass will provide a positive impact for road users and residents of Maybole and surrounding areas.”
Transport Minister, Jenny Gilruth, added, “Since 2007 the Scottish Government has invested approximately £35 million in four separate schemes on the A77, I am delighted to be able to open this new additional £29 million 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.
“This new section of the A77 will also provide better journey time reliability for motorists and businesses accessing Scotland’s main port at Cairnryan.
“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.”
