COMMUTERS in Cumnock and Doon Valley have faced continued disruption thanks to roadworks that ended two weeks ago.

A temporary 20mph speed limit has been put up on the A76 between the Bowhouse and Bellfield roundabouts because of the new road surface.

The road was closed for two separate weekends in July and August for resurfacing works that resulted in two different methods being used.

Known as ‘tar and chip’, the life of the road surface is extended by combining layers of tarmac with layers of loose chips.

It is cheaper than resurfacing the road but isn’t as long lasting and creates skidding hazards which reduces the speed at which the road is safe to use.

The southern portion of the stretch between Bowhouse and Bellfield has been tar and chipped yet the northern section at the Bellfield roundabout was completely resurfaced.

A Scotland TranServ spokesperson said: “The A76 surface dressing is an efficient method of prolonging the carriageway and restoring grip to the road.

“ Due to the loose chippings, it is necessary to introduce a 20mph speed limit as a safety measure in the short-term.

“The A76 will be swept later this week, with markings introduced and the road shortly returned to normal.”