A 1km section of the Maybole Bypass is to be constructed below ground level as it passes the north of the South Ayrshire town.

Transport Scotland has said the enhancements will help screen the bypass from nearby homes.

In addition to the above, work will also be carried out on the northern section of the new road which will see it slightly realigned in order to reduce the impact of the route on farmers' fields.

Announcing the work, Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "The Scottish Government is committed to enhancing connections across Ayrshire and beyond, particularly to and from the Loch Ryan ports, to help support sustainable economic growth.

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"Constructing a bypass at Maybole will help separate local traffic from traffic travelling further afield, including to the ports. This will lead to improved road safety for local communities and road users alike and provide better journey time reliability for motorists and businesses along the full length of the A77.

"Allied with these important benefits, I am only too aware of the impacts of constructing a road near a rural community such as Maybole. That is why we engage with communities as we develop our plans. The enhancements we have made to the scheme follow comments we received earlier this year on the preferred route.

"We have listened to local people and these changes will ensure that we can balance the needs of preserving Ayrshire's natural scenery with the many tangible benefits that the bypass will bring."

(JP/IT)