AFTER more than 30 years of campaigning, plans for the Maybole Bypass have been approved.

There is a £30 million contract up for grabs, from the Scottish Government, and it is hoped work can begin in April next year.

The notice outlines construction costs, and invites prospective bidders to formally apply to participate in the procurement to construct the bypass.

Minister for Transport & Islands, Humza Yousaf said: “The Scottish Government remains committed to delivering this strategic link, which serves the Ayrshire and Northern Ireland ferry ports, at the earliest possible opportunity.

"Completion will reduce the congestion within the town, bringing much needed relief for the local Maybole community whilst improving journey times for long distance road users.

“I welcome the announcement which along with a contract notice issued for improvement work to the A9 at Berriedale Braes in the far north of Scotland, provides the construction industry with significant contract opportunities.

"This brings the total value of contracts awarded and advertised over recent months to £174m, demonstrating this Government’s continued commitment to improving the transport network.”

The successful bidder will be required to build approximately 5.2km of bypass and associated junctions.

Once complete the scheme will separate local road users from those travelling longer distances, including to the key ports of Stranraer and Cairnryan.

The aim is to improve road safety for local communities and road users, as well as providing better journey time reliability.

The bidders, which best meet the criteria successfully, will be invited to tender for the project. Work is expected to get underway on the Maybole bypass in 2018.