This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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'Three Towns' bypass opens on A78
21/12/2004
The new £26 million 'three towns' bypass on the A78 in
Ayrshire was officially opened today.
The scheme involved construction of a 6.4 km stretch of
road and four major bridges around Ardrossan, Saltcoats and
Stevenston.
Deputy Minister for Enterprise Allan Wilson said:
"The opening of this bypass will improve access to the
three towns, as well as relieve congestion and improve the
environment.
"Importantly it will also open up the area to economic
development. It has been achieved within budget and six
months ahead of schedule which is a great achievement.
"Regular commuters will no doubt welcome the opening of
this new bypass. Removing through traffic from the three
towns will also improve public transport journey times and
road safety for those living along the route."
The A78 Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston Bypass has
been taken forward as a Design and Build Contract. Scott
Wilson are the Engineer for the Works.
The construction of the bypass scheme was awarded to
AWG/Mowlem, a Joint Venture company, on 19 June 2003 with
the provision of the new Montfode Rail Bridge being a
standalone contract, running in conjunction with the main
works, being awarded to Mowlem. Works on site began on
August 52, 2003.
Landscaping works will be completed during the early
part of 2005. The capital cost of the bypass is £26.2
million and the cost of Montfode Rail Bridge £3.4
million.
AWG/Mowlem will be responsible for defects arising from
the works for a period of five years following
completion.
The scheme consisted of enlarging Pennyburn Roundabout
on the existing A78 at the south/east end Stevenston and
construction of 5 km of dual carriageway running from
Pennyburn Roundabout to the north of the towns, to
Chapelhill Roundabout.
Thereafter, the scheme reduces to single lane for 1.4 km
to the new Montfode Roundabout on the existing A78 at the
north/west end of Ardrossan.
The scheme also has four major bridges, three of which
carry side roads over the new carriageway, one carries the
railway line.
At Pennyburn roundabout and Chapelhill roundabout,
Toucan crossings have been installed to facilitate
pedestrians crossing the dual carriageway. Both roundabouts
will have a 40 mph speed limit which encompasses the toucan
crossings.