Five weeks of misery on the road

Roadworks are to start on the A713 between Ayr and the South Kyle Wind Farm project, south of Dalmellington.

Preparatory work on the wind farm is already underway.

Developer Vattenfall and their contractor, RJ McLeod Ltd, are undertaking the road and bridge improvements on the A713 as part of the project.

The works include the widening of several tight bends on the road and strengthening of the Boneston Bridge to assist the passage of turbine components to the wind farm.

Site preparations have started on the A713- north of Hollybush- with works to Boneston Bridge starting on Sunday, August 30.

These are expected to last for four to five weeks. As a result temporary traffic signals will be erected to limit traffic to single lane passage and delays are anticipated.

A full road closure at the bridge will be required over several weekends later in the year, to facilitate the strengthening works.

A signed traffic diversion via Dalrymple will be put in place during the weekend closures and further information will be confirmed nearer the time.

Councillor Jim Roberts, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy and Infrastructure at East Ayrshire Council said: “The A713 is a very busy route and over time the condition of Boneston Bridge has suffered deterioration from the weather and an increase in the volume of traffic.

And he went on: “These improvements will make the route safer for commuters and will facilitate construction access for the windfarm site and other potential developments in the area in the future.”

South Kyle Wind Farm will be one of the country’s most significant renewable energy projects. It is expected to deliver significant benefits for the communities of New Cumnock, Dalmellington, Patna and Carsphairn in Dumfries and Galloway, including employment opportunities for local people and businesses, as well as a community investment worth £ 38million over the lifetime of the wind farm.

The road improvement works are being funded by Vattenfall.

Paul Nickless, Vattenfall’s Project Manager for South Kyle Wind Farm, added this week: “As we build South Kyle Wind Farm, Vattenfall is committed to generating and maximising opportunities for the local economy, and we are pleased to be able to deliver these improvements to this key route so early in the project.”