Roadworks closing A78 with 40-mile diversion sparking concern

Roadworks on the A78 will force drivers to take a 40-mile long diversion through North Ayrshire and Renfrewshire.

Amey is undertaking works at Wemyss Bay from Friday, November 24, as part of a wider package of improvements for the road.

A full road closure will be in place on the A78 – at Ardgowan Road from 8pm on November 24 until 6am on Monday, November 27 – with a 37-mile long diversion in place.

Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, said it is estimated the maintenance will benefit around 11,700 vehicles using the route daily by ensuring the road is safe and reliable.

But the closure has sparked concern among residents of the town of Skelmorlie worried about how they will go about their day and travel to destinations further north.

West Scotland MSP Jamie Greene said the disruption caused by the roadworks would be significant, and that should be completed as quickly as possible to minimise damage to businesses.

He said: “The maintenance work being carried out on these roads is necessary, and I am pleased that residents will have access to improved and safer roads.

“I urge Amey to ensure the work is completed within the timeframe they have provided to ensure access to essential services and businesses for residents and visitors are disrupted no further than absolutely necessary.”

The signed diversion for trunk road traffic will operate as follows:

Southbound traffic will follow the northbound A78 to Greenock and join the A8 at the Bullring Roundabout, where it will continue to Newark Roundabout and take the third exit onto the A761 through Kilmacolm.
From here, traffic will turn left onto the B790 Houston Road and follow Bridge of Weir Road and the B789 Barrochan Road to Deafhillock Roundabout, taking the second exit to join the southbound A737.
Vehicles will then continue south to Beith and take the second exit at Manrahead Roundabout onto the B777, travel on to Kilbirnie and then take the A760 at Bridge Street towards Largs, to re-join the A78. Northbound traffic will follow the same route in the opposite direction.