A77 - Major Milestone Completed On £10.6m Scheme

A major milestone was reached at the weekend when two new flyover bridges were put in place on the A77 as part of the £10.6 million Symington to Bogend Road Improvement scheme.

This challenging milestone saw contractors work throughout the night to lift the flyovers into place allowing the carriageway to open the following morning thereby minimising disruption to road users.

Each 51 metre span flyover, consisting of 4 beams, was assembled in two parts at the side of the carriaqeway before a crane lifted the 100 tonne units into place over the A77.

The improvements to this key arterial route between Glasgow and Stranraer will replace the need for right hand turns and improve the safety of junctions along this busy stretch of the road.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said:

“The Scottish Government has long been committed to improving this particular section of the A77.

“Together with the works underway on the A75 Hardgrove and A75 Dunragit Bypass, we are clearly demonstrating our efforts to improve connectivity to the South of Scotland for business, leisure and tourism, as well as directly supporting employment opportunities in the construction industry.

“This latest milestone is a significant – and welcome - visual sign that work is well underway on this scheme.”

“When complete, the scheme will benefit users by improving the performance and safety on this stretch of road, increase the number of overtaking opportunities and provide better facilities for the needs of cyclists and pedestrians."

Work will now get underway on constructing the bridge decks before surfacing the flyovers.

Contractor RJ McLeod is on target to complete the project during Summer 2014.