MOTORISTS in East Ayrshire are in for a smooth drive now that millions of pounds have been invested in local roads.

The major funding boost from the council will see the budget increase from £3.505m to £7m.

Over £15m will be invested this year including structural maintenance, road surfacing, footway maintenance, street lighting improvements, flooding works at New Cumnock,and bridge strengthening.

The council have now hailed East Ayrshire’s roads for contributing significantly to the local economy and regeneration as their one of their most valuable assets.

The Ayrshire roads Alliance already employs innovative resurfacing techniques as part of the improvement programme. This includes a large section of road between Dunlop and Neilston which was resurfaced recently using plastic additives.

This surface is being monitored regularly and further investigations are being undertaken to ensure that the material is cost effective and hard wearing before a commitment is made to resurfacing additional stretches of road with this material.

The Road Condition Index also reflects the condition of roads which has already seen huge improvements after an investment of over £6m for sur facing works and pothole repairs in 2018/19.

But evidence gathered from data clearly shows that significant investment is still required to maintain the road network.

At its current level, if neglected, the road condition would deterioraterequiring more expensive resurfacing works to be carried out.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: “This investment in our road network reflects the importance of improved infrastructure on the economic development and regeneration of East Ayrshire.

“The Ayrshire Roads Alliance, in consultation with elected members, community councils and Community Action Plan Steering Groups, has developed an ambitious programme of improvements that will ensure the safety of our roads and bridges and will see 65km of road being surfaced in the next year.”

Councillor Jim Roberts, Cabinet Member for Economy and Infrastructure said: “We are responding to our community’s needs and ensuring the improved safety of both our roads and bridges.”