The A77 provides a key strategic direct link between Glasgow and Cairnryan, until yesterday the town of Maybole hosted a section of the A77 running through the town’s high street.

Once transport minister Jenny Gilruth cut a ribbon to open the new bypass, members of the community and local campaigners had the opportunity to be the first to experience the new road.

Ms Gilruth said: “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 £29m 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.”

Approximately 10% of vehicles using the A77 are heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) which often arrive in convoy from vessels, causing significant strain on the road network through Maybole.

In addition, the restricted footpath width along Maybole High Street has presented a significant risk to both pedestrians and vehicle users safety, a risk considerably increased during periods of peak traffic. This bypass separates local and strategic traffic, relieving congestion in the town and improving safety and journey time reliability on the A77.

John Stephens, project manager, 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.”

The £29m construction contract was awarded to Wills Bros Civil Engineering Limited on 12 April 2019. With traffic now moved on to the new bypass, the contractor Wills Bros will remain on site for a period of time to undertake necessary finishing, snagging and seasonal landscaping works.