STV NewsSchool pupils from Largs Academy will no longer face a four-hour round trip to school as a convoy has been set up on the usual route, which was damaged during Storm Boelo.
The A78 Meigle Road was forced to close following damage to the carriageway caused by heavy rain and storm surges along the West Coast.
STV News previously reported that the road closure meant school pupils from Largs Academy living in Skelmorlie, just up the coast, would have to take a lengthy detour.
It has now been announced that a traffic convoy will be set up along the coast road, allowing school shuttle buses to operate from Friday, whilst repairs to the road are ongoing.
In a message sent to parents, head teacher John Docherty said: “We are delighted to let you know that we are going to convoy the pupils on the Coast Road from tomorrow.
“Pupils should arrive for 8.10am at their usual pick-up place. This is the only information we have at present, and it was shared with pupils by their driver after school.”
On Wednesday and Thursday, pupils were forced to wake up much earlier to be ready for the bus to pick them up at 7.30am in Skelmorlie.
A journey that would usually have taken 15 minutes had taken 1 hour and 40 minutes, a delay criticised by pupils and parents.
Pupils preparing to sit their exams spoke about the potential impact of a nearly four-hour bus journey on their studies and extracurricular activities.
STV NewsNina Spirithawthorne said the delay would have “a big impact on her day-to-day life” as a avid swimmer and student preparing to sit important exams this year.
Emma Binnie called the detour “annoying” and that the longer journey would be “tough”.
Parents also voiced concerns about the possible anti-social behaviour on the lengthy journey and questioned why a one-way system couldn’t be implemented on the A78.
AMEY, which manages truck roads such as the A78, said in an update that it cannot confirm when the road will fully reopen, however, repairs are ongoing.
They said: “Investigations and emergency repairs are continuing at the worst-affected locations. Further work is required before the road can fully reopen, but we hope these access arrangements will help reduce disruption in the meantime.”
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