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Ground Investigation works have been completed
A revised alignment for the B714 has now been agreed with the upgrade being separated into two phases.
Phase 1 – Dalry to Girthill Farm with new sections of alignment shown in white. New roundabout on the Kilwinning Road (B714) heading west.
Phase 2 – Girthill Farm to the A78(T) Sharphill Roundabout. The western end of Phase 1 can be seen at the right-hand side of the image with two new sections proposed in Phase 2.
The upgrading of the B714 has been approved as part of a successful North Ayrshire Council joint funding bid to the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund. The B714 links the Trunk Road network from the A78 Sharphill Roundabout (Three Towns Bypass) to the A737, south of Dalry. It is a vital link for road users travelling to the West Coast and ferry links to Arran and Cumbrae.
The upgrade of the B714 will significantly improve connectivity between North Ayrshire and Glasgow, the Central Belt and wider motorway network. This will substantially increase the potential for tourism and economic development and provide enhanced links to the Arran and Cumbrae Ferry services.
It will contribute to the repopulation of our islands and rural areas by providing improved access between the ferry terminals, mainland settlements, Glasgow, the central belt and wider motorway network. This will ensure that those living in our rural, remote and island communities are well connected and have equitable access to services as those living in the rest of Scotland. It will also divert a significant volume of traffic accessing the A78 away from Kilwinning as traffic will connect directly to the A78 via the new upgraded B714.
Plans for a revised layout are currently under consideration for a new connection on the Kilwinning Road, which avoids the Lynn Bridge. The revised layout will be formed of new sections of single carriageway.
NAC will receive £23,693,443 from the Levelling Up Fund with the remainder of funding coming from North Ayrshire Council. The delivery of the scheme, subject to securing the necessary consents and permissions, was agreed by the Council’s Cabinet on 25 January 2022 and the report can be found below:
Project description/need for scheme
The B714 currently follows a traditional route past farm buildings and accesses. There are many narrow sections with tight bends with some localised widening. The current geometry of the road poses a challenge for all road users. The proposal to improve the road includes two single carriageway lanes with increased width with local properties mainly utilising the current B714 route.
The B714 upgrade project aims to reduce the volume of traffic travelling through Kilwinning on the A737/A738 Trunk Road, which currently passes 4 schools. This should also realise a reduction in pollution, congestion and the potential for accidents.
The inclusion of the 3 metre wide active travel route, will allow cyclists and pedestrians to travel actively between Dalry and Saltcoats. There may be the possibility to improve facilities for equestrian use around the route. The potential for this will be investigated through the project.
Business case development
The Levelling Up Fund requires that a Full Business Case be prepared and approved before larger transport schemes can formally commence. Until a business case is approved there is a risk that funding could be cancelled if Government policy changes or if the necessary legal permissions or match funding cannot be secured. To mitigate this risk, Development funding is provided at this stage by the UK Government to support the development of the Outline Business Case and the Council has made provision through match funding to support this project.
Current position and timeline
The following steps and processes are still to be concluded:
- Consultation with landowners and Land Acquisition
- Planning Permission
- Detailed design
- Utilities and Services diversions
- Tender process
- Main Contractor appointment
- Construction
Pre-construction planning
Autumn & Winter 2023/24
- Planning applications
- Detailed design and route finalisation
- Preparation of Contract
2024
- Services and Public Utility relocation
- Biosecurity management plan
- Road Safety Audit
- Preparation of Contract
- Construction Tender Period
- Contract Award
2025
- Construction - January 2025 to 2026
Community Wealth Building
The project will contribute to Community Wealth Building and, will have a positive impact on council ambitions under the following pillars:
Procurement
There is an opportunity for a local supply chain to be created. The North Ayrshire Business Development Team will review opportunities for local businesses and provide support where needed.
Fair employment
Employment opportunities will be created, particularly within the construction sector. North Ayrshire Council's enhanced Community Benefits approach will attempt to ensure local training and work experience opportunities are realised. The B714 upgrade will enhance connectivity to help those from rural areas access work.
Financial power
The project will invest in the B714 corridor and attract external national investment into North Ayrshire.
Consultation
The project will involve various rounds of consultation. There will be consultation and negotiation with landowners around the acquisition of land.
It is the intention to acquire the necessary land through negotiation with landowners. However, the project has a tight timetable imposed on it by the government and, in order to meet that timetable, the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process will be run in parallel with negotiations. A report will be considered by the Council seeking approval for the CPO process.
More information
Got a question not covered above? Please see B714 upgrade - Frequently Asked Questions, or email B714 upgrade project.