Transport Scotland is to award a contract to construct the A737 Dalry Bypass to Farrans Roadbridge Joint Venture, subject to a mandatory standstill period.

Estimated to be worth between £34 million and £38m, the contract involves the construction of a four kilometre bypass, which will consist of two roundabouts, at Hillend and Highfield, and a viaduct to enable road users to travel over the River Garnock and the Glasgow to Ayr railway line.

Works are also required to connect the new Bypass to the existing A737 Trunk Road east of Highfield.

Much of the construction works will take place away from the existing road and traffic management measures will be kept to the minimum necessary in order to safely complete these critical works.

The JV secured the deal ahead of shortlisted bidders including Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Limited, Interserve Construction Limited and John Paul Construction Limited / Somaque Engenharia.

Transport minister Humza Yousaf said: “Over the past few months, preparatory works have been undertaken on the site including archaeological investigations, fencing and vegetation clearance.

“The award of this contract, subject to the mandatory standstill period, enables the main works contractor to finalise its designs and establish a base on site before it can begin the main construction works in the coming weeks.”