A new £1.85 million bridge has been opened in East Ayrshire.

The Dean Road Bridge was officially opened by Transport Minister Derek Mackay.

The project to restore the crossing over Kilmarnock Water was developed and managed by Ayrshire Roads Alliance.

The new bridge replaces the original Dean Ford.

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Council Leader Douglas Reid said: "Since it was established just eighteen months, the Ayrshire Roads Alliance has already delivering improvements in our local transport network and the new bridge is a cleverly engineered solution, which solves the constant problem of flooding from the river, which has caused disruption and difficulty for so many."

Mr Mackay added: "The Dean Road Bridge is an excellent demonstration of collaborative working and testament to the ambitions of the Ayrshire Roads Alliance."

A commemorative plaque was unveiled to formally declare the bridge open.

(LM)