RESIDENTS in New Cumnock are facing weeks of road rage misery now that a major million pound maintenance project has been launched.

Entire chunks of a busy carriage way are set to be scrapped which will shut off the well used route on the B741 for six weeks.

It comes as £1.2 million flood prevention words were desperately needed to protect properties near Connel Burn from future damage.

From Monday February 18 concrete walls will be erected as well as the entire restructuring of ground to direct water away from buildings.

The huge project will see parts of the carriageway ripped out and replaced, with the road blocked for over a month.

Disruptions are expected, with diversions in place near the Boig Road towards Cumnock and back to New Cumnock; via B741, A76, A70, B7046, U743 Newfield and C 36 Boig Road.

Access for emergency services and pedestrians will be maintained throughout the closure.

A complimentary bus service will be provided each Tuesday and Friday, during the closure period, to ensure that local residents are kept mobile while the works are ongoing.

It comes after objectives were set by SEPA and agreed with flood risk management authorities in Cumnock and Auchinleck.

A statement from Ayrshire’s Road Alliance said: “The flood prevention works have been designed to protect properties in the immediate vicinity of the Connel Burn from future flooding and have been a combination of engineering measures, earth embankments and reinforced concrete walls that help to contain any floodwaters within the Connel Burn.

“The Ayrshire Roads Alliance, on behalf of the Council, thanks you for your consideration and patience while these essential works are undertaken.”