Motorists will be spared weekend closures on the A71 after a U-turn by roads chiefs.
Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA) planned to shut a stretch of the key route through the Irvine Valley on successive weekends at the end of February and start of March.
The Kilmarnock Standard told last week how a 40-mile diversion via Cumnock, Muirkirk and Strathaven will be put in place with Darvel and Priestland residents driven to distraction thanks to a detour of almost 50 miles.
A two-phase project will see essential maintenance carried out by workers in the Newmilns area.
However, ARA bosses have revised their timetable in order to minimise inconvenience – although a week’s worth of major disruption will still be felt during stage one with the A76/A70/B743/A71 diversion in operation.
From Saturday, February 8 to Friday, February 14, A71 Main Street in Newmilns will be closed daily from 7am to 6pm as the first section of work is carried out.
A small diversion will be in place for local residents only while signs will be put in place to inform the public that businesses are open as usual.
The second phase of the project will focus on the Isles Street and Darvel Road sections with a convoy system operating between 7am and 6pm from Friday, February 14 to Friday, February 28.
ARA acting head of roads Kevin Braidwood said: “ARA wishes to minimise any inconvenience to local residents and therefore we have revised the works programme to prevent Darvel, Priestland and surrounding communities being completely closed off over the weekends.
“During the first phase of the works, Main Street, Newmilns will be closed from Saturday, February 8 until Friday, February 14 from 7am to 6pm. Light vehicles will be diverted via King Street.
“Phase Two, which runs from Friday, February 14 until Friday, February 28 will close a stretch from Isles Street to Darvel Road from 7am to 6pm. A convoy system will be in operation to allow access.
“These amendments have enabled us to reduce the inconvenience of a long diversion during Phase Two and we thank road users for their patience while we undertake these vital improvements.”
ARA hope the resurfacing work will be completed within the timescales outlined.
However, it is weather dependent and any unforeseen difficulties could result in a delay.
