The new A737 Dalry Bypass has opened to traffic this morning, 30 May, 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.

Once Cabinet Secretary Michael Matheson had cut a ribbon to open the new bypass, the oldest and some of the youngest members of the community – including centenarian and lifelong resident of Dalry, Mary McInnes, and schoolchildren from Dalry Primary and St. Palladius Primary School - were the first road users to try out the new road.

Opening the road to traffic this morning, 30 May, Cabinet Secretary, Mr 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 today.

"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 (SMEs) - 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.

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"The Dalry community will also enjoy improved air quality and road safety, making the town centre a more pleasant place to live and work.

"I'm delighted this new road through North Ayrshire is now open and I would like to pass on my gratitude to the contractor for their timely work in constructing the new road. As we've seen today, it will serve every member of the community - from the youngest to the oldest – with a road fit for the 21st century."

The project has delivered a new 3.8km bypass to the east of the Dalry together with associated junctions.

Brian Snow, Project Manager, Farrans Roadbridge Joint Venture added: "It is just under two years since our sod turning ceremony to commence construction on the A737 Dalry Bypass. Farrans Roadbridge are delighted to deliver this significant project to the North Ayrshire area on behalf of Transport Scotland.

"Together with our client 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."

With the traffic now moved on to the new bypass, Contractor 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.

The construction cost of the Dalry Bypass is approximately £31.2m. The Contractor was a Joint Venture between Farrans Construction and Roadbridge.