Serious resurfacing works to roads just south of New Cumnock could see commuters faced with a 56-mile diversion.

The work, which is set to begin next Monday (July 27) will take place over an 0.8km stretch of the A76 in two separate locations between New Cumnock and Kirkconnel.

Drivers wishing to access the A76 north of Kirkconnel are being advised to take the A702 from Carronbridge to Abington, from there the B7078 to the A70 Junction, take a left and follow the road down into Cumnock. That’s a total of 56 miles to New Cumnock.

The resurfacing is set to last for five days, but fortunately these works are scheduled to happen overnight and so hopefully not affecting too many commuters. Beginning on Monday, July 27 at 8pm and finishing on Friday, July 31 at 6am the works will only happen on those days between the hours of 8pm-6am.

Gordon Coppard, Scotland TranServ’s Area Network Manager for Ayrshire said: “This is an important section of the A76, and as such is used by emergency services, freight, retail and delivery traffic as part of their essential working. It is important that we resurface this area in order to maintain road safety. Traffic volumes currently remain low, in line with government advice, and the programme can therefore be carried out safely and with minimal disruption.

“Working in collaboration with Transport Scotland, we have identified the resurfacing of this 800m long section of the A76 as essential to the safety of the trunk road.”

More information is available at trafficscotland.org.