North Ayrshire Council’s Full Business Case for the first phase of the B714 upgrade has been given the green light by the UK Government.

That means it’s all systems go for the £34.7 million project, which will deliver significant improvements on a key artery between the Three Towns and the Garnock Valley, connecting North Ayrshire with Glasgow.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for green environment and economy, said: “We’re delighted to confirm that the UK Government has agreed to grant unconditional approval of our Full Business Case for the B714 Upgrade Scheme. 

“This is one of the final pieces in the jigsaw for what will be a transformational investment into our roads network, with benefits for communities from the Three Towns right through to Dalry and the Garnock Valley. Upgrading the B714 will significantly improve road connectivity between North Ayrshire and other parts of Scotland, particularly to Glasgow and the central belt, helping to provide better road links and encourage investment in the area.”

Local transport Minister Lilian Greenwood MP said: “We’re pleased to support the B714 upgrade in North Ayrshire with £23.69m of UK Government funding.

“This investment will reduce traffic volumes on the A737 by 11% and deliver safer travel for people within North Ayrshire, driving growth and improving access to jobs on a key route between the Three Towns and the wider Glasgow city region.

“I look forward to working with the council and local partners to deliver these improvements for the people of North Ayrshire”.

The B714 links the trunk road network from the A78 Sharphill roundabout at the Three Towns bypass to the A737, south of Dalry.

The first phase of the proposals will include an upgrade of a 3.5km section of the B714 between Girthill Farm and a new roundabout on Kilwinning Road. Details include the localised realignment of sections of the existing road, a new 500m long section of overtaking lane in the westbound direction and environmental enhancements.

These improvements to this vital connection have the potential to divert a significant volume of traffic accessing the A78 away from Kilwinning.

A second phase, which will be the subject of a separate funding bid in the future, will feature improvements from Girthill Farm to the A78 Sharphill Roundabout.

North Ayrshire Council in 2021 successfully bid for £23.7m funding as part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. The Government further confirmed its commitment to the project in July 2025 as part of its Spending Review before approving the Full Business case in November.

The estimated project cost of the first phase, allowing for contingency and wider project costs, has been confirmed as £34.7m, with £23.7m funded by the UK Government with North Ayrshire Council meeting the balance.

The tender process for the first stage of the construction works is now complete and a preferred contractor selected.

The works are anticipated to commence on site early in the new year and be completed by winter 2027.