The A737 The Den Realignment will see the firm construct a one kilometre section of carriageway, situated between Beith and Dalry, including new junctions.

The work will remove a series of sub-standard bends on the existing road, improve traffic flow and introduce safety benefits.

Michael Matheson, cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity, said: “The Scottish Government is committed to improving Scotland’s transport infrastructure and today’s announcement further cements our investment in the A737.

“These improvements - along with the current work to construct a Bypass at Dalry, which is less than a mile from the Den, and currently a year into construction - will deliver benefits for the North Ayrshire communities as well as long-distance road users upon completion.”

The one kilometre of carriageway will be constructed off-line.

Subject to a mandatory standstill period, construction is expected to get under way in the coming months with completion expected in Spring 2020.