South Ayrshire Council has recently announced a significant investment of almost £5 million in road improvement projects for 2023/24. The funding agreed upon during the Cabinet meeting on 25th April will be used for road resurfacing and reconstruction, footpath upgrades, traffic signals, speed restrictions, bridge maintenance, coastal defences, and the continuation of energy-efficient LED street lighting.
Thanks to this significant funding, South Ayrshire has moved up to the 12th position in Scotland for improving classified roads from the previous 21st ranking.
One of the most prominent projects scheduled for the coming year includes resurfacing the B7023 road at Maybole, with a budget of £323,840. Additionally, five footpaths, including Hadyard Terrace in Dailly, will receive an upgrade for around £54,000.
The Council also plans to initiate several sustainable travel projects, such as a multi-use path from Dundonald to Barassie and another from Ayr to Prestwick.
This commitment to sustainable travel shows the Council’s ongoing efforts to support their towns and villages and foster economic growth.
Councillor Bob Pollock, Economic Development Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council, emphasized investing in the roads network and infrastructure for the region’s economic growth.
He also expressed the significance of promoting sustainable travel methods, making expanding the multi-use paths network an equally important project.
Overall, the investment in road improvements is a significant step towards enhancing the region’s transportation infrastructure and promoting sustainable travel methods, improving the quality of life for all residents and visitors to South Ayrshire.
Also, the South Ayrshire Council is looking to raise the number of electric vehicle (EV) charging points within the next three to four years.
“We are working with East Ayrshire Council (via the Ayrshire Roads Alliance) and North Ayrshire Council to grow access,” stated the council.
The plans are for 137 dual publicly accessible chargers in South Ayrshire and 433 around the whole of Ayrshire. Locations for the proposed charging points have not been decided, but they should be within a 10-minute drive for 99% of properties that don’t have off-street parking.
