The new £31m Dalry bypass in north Ayrshire has opened to traffic some seven months ahead of schedule.

The bypass project which was expected to be completed this winter has supported 130 jobs during the height of construction and will now deliver significant benefits for road users and the local community alike. The project has delivered a new 3.8km bypass to the east of Dalry, together with associated junctions.

Scottish transport cabinet secretary, Michael Matheson said: “It has been just under two years since the first spade was put in the ground to mark the start of work and I welcome the opening of the road ahead of schedule. The new bypass has already delivered a number of benefits during construction with 32 of the 36 sub-contracts awarded to small and medium enterprises - as well as providing employment for 130 people at the peak of construction. The opening of the road will deliver long-term benefits including better journey time reliability for road users and public transport as well as encouraging improved economic and employment opportunities."

Brian Snow, project manager, Farrans Roadbridge Joint Venture said: “Farrans Roadbridge are delighted to deliver this significant project to the North Ayrshire area on behalf of Transport Scotland. We have worked collaboratively to successfully deliver the opening of the Dalry bypass seven months ahead of schedule. The new bypass will reduce congestion in Dalry whilst improving safety to road users.”

Farrans Roadbridge Joint Venture will remain on site for a period of time to construct the connecting road between the existing A737 and the new roundabout at Highfield and to undertake necessary finishing, snagging and seasonal landscaping works.

Construction cost of the Dalry Bypass is approximately £31.2m. The contractor was a joint venture between Farrans Construction and Roadbridge.