Motorists facing 52-mile diversion on A76

Drivers were this week being warned they face a 52-mile diversion when overnight resurfacing of the A76 takes place shortly at two locations south of New Cumnock.

Scotland TranServ say the works are “essential”and will commence over four evenings, starting on Monday, July 27, at 8pm.

They will resurface 800m of the A76 trunk road and drivers are being advised to carefully plan their journeys during the duration of the works.

A road closure will be in place from the following dates:

•8pm on Monday 27 until 6am on Tuesday 28th July

•8pm on Tuesday 28 until 6am on Wednesday 29th July

•8pm on Wednesday 29 until 6am on Thursday 30th July and:

•8pm on Thursday 30th until 6am on Friday 31st July.

Traffic management will only be implemented once traffic volumes are sufficiently low.

Gordon Coppard, Scotland TranServ’s Area Network Manager for Ayrshire , said:“This is an important section of the A76, and as such is used by emergency services, freight, retail and delivery traffic as part of their essential working.

“It is important that we resurface this area in order to maintain road safety. Traffic volumes currently remain low, in line with government advice, and the programme can therefore be carried out safely and with minimal disruption.

“Scotland TranServ and Transport Scotland would like to take this opportunity to thank drivers for making only essential journeys over the last couple of months, and for continuing to protect the country’s key workers.”

Special arrangements have been made for emergency service vehicle access.

But no additional provisions have been made for windfarm traffic.

Network Manager added:“We fully recognise the importance of a safe and reliable trunk road network and where possible, Scotland TranServ is supporting Transport Scotland as they expect to invest £471million in maintenance in 2020/21.

“The health and safety of our workers and those working on our behalf, is of the utmost importance, and projects will only be taken forward where we can ensure their safety as a priority.

“An efficient and well-managed trunk road network is particularly important to supporting essential supply chains and the wider economy across South West Scotland at this time.

“Working in collaboration with Transport Scotland, we have identified a number of essential maintenance projects, which are being prioritised over the coming weeks.”

Motorists can find live trunk road information by visiting trafficscotland. org or by following @trafficscotland on Twitter.