A £31.5 million bypass project on the A77 could employ up to 165 people, the Government has said.

Willis Bros Civil Engineering has been awarded the construction contract to build the Maybole bypass on the road.

The project will create a 3.1-mile (5km) bypass, separating local traffic from that travelling longer distances, including to the port at Cairnryan.

Maybole bypass map
The Maybole bypass is expected to cut journey times (Transport Scotland/PA)

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said: “The local community will benefit from opportunities created for small and medium enterprises to bid for subcontractor roles and the provision of at least four vocational and seven professional, site-based training opportunities.

“The contractor anticipates that the project could employ up to 165 people during the months of peak construction activity, a number of which are created by the project.

“We recognise the strategic importance of providing good transport links on the major routes to the key port at Cairnryan.

Cairnryan terminal
The bypass will improve traffic heading to the port of Cairnryan (PA)

“Today’s announcement continues to build upon the significant investment already delivered across 10 improvement projects since 2007 on the A77 and A75.

“Delivering the Maybole bypass will provide better journey time reliability for road users as well as improved safety and environmental benefits for the local community.”