A major milestone has been completed on the A77 project, Transport Scotland has said.

Over the weekend, two new flyover bridges were put in place on the A77 as part of the £10.6m Symington to Bogend Road Improvement Scheme.

The phase saw contractors RJ McLeod work through the night to lift the flyovers into place, in order to allow the carriageway to open the following morning and thereby minimise disruption to road users.

Each 51-metre span flyover, consisting of 4 beams, was assembled in two parts at the side of the carriageway before a crane lifted the 100 tonne units into place over the A77.

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The improvements to this key arterial route between Glasgow and Stranraer will replace the need for right hand turns and improve the safety of junctions along this busy stretch of the road.

Transport Minister Keith Brown commented: "The Scottish Government has long been committed to improving this particular section of the A77.

"Together with the works underway on the A75 Hardgrove and A75 Dunragit Bypass, we are clearly demonstrating our efforts to improve connectivity to the South of Scotland for business, leisure and tourism, as well as directly supporting employment opportunities in the construction industry.

"This latest milestone is a significant - and welcome - visual sign that work is well underway on this scheme.

"When complete, the scheme will benefit users by improving the performance and safety on this stretch of road, increase the number of overtaking opportunities and provide better facilities for the needs of cyclists and pedestrians."

Work will now begin on constructing the bridge decks before surfacing the flyovers.

Contractor RJ McLeod is on target to complete the project during Summer 2014.

(JP/IT)