Fury as major double road closure cripples Kilmarnock road network
19.06.2022 - 18:31
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Drivers in Kilmarnock are experiencing crippling delays this afternoon.
A double-header of major road closures has led to a surge in traffic through the town with motorists enduring massive queues.
The A71 bypass is currently closed between Moorfield and Bellfield Interchange while grass cutting takes place.
And part of Queen's Drive is closed completely after works to Victoria Bridge were extended again.
The two major access and exit roads to the town being shut down has had a knock-on effect elsewhere in the area.
Dundonald Road has been gridlocked with slow moving traffic for the majority of the day with queues extending from the intersection with South Hamilton and McLelland Drive right down past Gargieston Primary school — more than half-a-mile away.
One motorist said: "This is really poorly thought-out stuff — two major roads in and out of Kilmarnock closed over the weekend. It's not on.
"Queues were right down Dundonald Road because the bypass is closed. People were sick of waiting in queues and you could actually see them doing u-turns and leaving."
Work on the A71 got underway yesterday with work from Moorfield to Corsehill Mount roundabout being carried out. Maintenance is scheduled to be completed this evening.
But work on Queen's Drive is set to continue until Friday.
Ayrshire Roads Allaince said of the A71 closure: "A71, Kilmarnock from Moorfield roundabout to the boundary with North Ayrshire. Programmed for 5am until 6pm on Saturday, June 18.
"Alternative Route via B7064, B7081 to Crosshouse/Springside/Dreghorn and A71 slip road to Corsehill Mount roundabout and vice versa.
"A71, Kilmarnock from Moorfield roundabout to Bellfield Interchange. Programmed for 5am until 6pm on Sunday, June 19.
"Alternative Route