Work is due to begin on a new bridge across the river at Dean Road, Kilmarnock.

The structure will replace the Dean Ford which has become difficult, and sometimes impossible, to cross if there is flooding, for example.

The project will commence on 18 August and will see the existing ford and Lauder Footbridge removed and will be replaced by a four span bridge incorporating a traffic calmed carriageway and a footway for pedestrians on either side.

In order to facilitate the work, a road closure will be necessary. This will be in place from Dean Castle Country Park to Otterburn Avenue and will remain in place until its scheduled completion date of February 2015. Diversions will be in place for motorists, while pedestrians will able to use a temporary footpath and the existing temporary footbridge.

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Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council, said: "We're very pleased to see this major project getting underway. It will make a big difference to local residents and provide a more reliable and a safer link between different parts of the town.

"Over the years the ford has very often been impassable and unfortunately some drivers have found themselves stuck and for emergency vehicles the fluctuations in water levels have sometimes meant a lengthy detour was necessary. Now we can all use the road safely in all weathers and this can only be a good move for Kilmarnock."

(JP/IT)