A BUSY commuter road connecting North and South Ayrshire is to close for a further night.

A section of the A78 was shut over the weeked so that "urgent" work can be carried out.

Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, undertook the urgent resurfacing works on the southbound trunk road between the Meadowhead roundabout and the Barassie burn.

The work was initially set to be taking place using a full weekend closure which will began on Friday, April 12, at 8pm and will last until 6am on Monday, April 15. 

However, due to adverse weather over the weekend the schedule for works has been amended.

One additional night of work is required on the section of road to complete line painting. This additional work will require the use on an overnight road closure between 8pm on Tuesday April 16 and 6am on Wednesday April 17. 

A signed diversion will be in place.

However, the Auchengate on-slip road will remain open to road traffic during daytime hours (6am-8pm) on Saturday and Sunday.

Motorists will also be able to follow an alternative route via the A71 if they wish. 

The signed diversion for daytime traffic (6am-8pm) will operate as follows: 

  • Southbound A78 traffic will exit at the Meadowhead roundabout to join the B746 for Barassie and Troon and will be able to re-join the A78 via the Auchengate on-slip road.  

The signed diversion for night-time traffic (8pm-6am) will operate as follows: 

  • Southbound A78 traffic will leave the Meadowhead roundabout onto the A759, following Main Street through Loans onto the B746 to re-join the southbound A78.  
  • Traffic for the Auchengate slip road will follow the A759 to join the above diversion. 

Amey says the work has been organised as soon as possible due to the "urgent nature of the works following a deterioration of the carriageway surface".

Access for emergency service vehicles will be maintained throughout these works.