A77 Improvement Scheme enters final phase

Contractor R J McLeod, who is constructing the project on Transport Scotland’s behalf, will be carrying out works to improve access for road users. These works will include widening existing junctions, closing central reservations between Spittal Interchange and Dutch House roundabout and connecting the flyover bridges.

The main scheme itself will provide safer access to the A77 by removing the need for right hand turns across this busy stretch of road.

For the safety of road users and road workers alike, it will be necessary to sequentially close lanes on the A77 . These works are scheduled to commence on 20 January and will last for a total period of approximately eight weeks. Work will include:

• the A77 Southbound will be reduced to one lane for approximately two weeks from 20 January 2014 to allow improvement works to accesses and laybys
• the A77 Northbound will be reduced to one lane for approximately three weeks during February 2014 to allow improvement works to accesses and laybys
• A77 Southbound and Northbound fast lane closures will then be undertaken for approximately two weeks to allow improvement works to the central reservation

Road signage will provide up to date details on the programme. Road users are encouraged to visit the Traffic Scotland website in advance of their journey to get the latest travel information.

For the safety of road workers, the speed limit will be 40mph throughout the works.

Advance warning signs will be erected prior to the works to notify road users.

Local access will be maintained throughout this period.

John Quail, Project Manager at Transport Scotland said:

“As advised in December 2013, these works mark the start of the final phase of this important scheme to improve safety on the A77.

"The works will see right hand turns replaced with flyover junctions. In order to complete the works it is necessary to implement traffic management measures which will result in some lane closures to southbound and northbound traffic, as well as closures to the central reservation.

“We have planned these lane closures carefully to minimise the impact on the local community and travelling public but some delays are inevitable.

“We advise motorists to plan their journeys in advance using all the available journey planning tools. We thank drivers for their patience during this period.”

Contractor RJ McLeod is on target to complete in Summer 2014.

Journey planning information can be found at Traffic Scotland or Travel Line. Drivers can also download our free travel information app for smartphones from either of these sites.

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See more at Transport Scotland/A77 Symington and Bogend Toll Scheme