NORTH Ayrshire Council is targeting £25million of UK Government funding to deliver on its long-held ambition to upgrade a major road network in the region.

Elected members have approved plans to access the funding – through the Levelling Up Fund – to make major changes to the B714.

The council want to upgrade the B714 between the A737(T) (south of Dalry) to the A78(T) at the Sharphill roundabout. This will include the realignment of sections of the route to improve the road geometry and the construction of a new link between the B714 and the A737(T) close to the Dalry Bypass junction, south of Dalry.

The B714 will remain a single carriage however the entire route would be widened. Active travel and environmental enhancements will also be delivered.

Councillor Joe Cullinane, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “Upgrading the B714 has been a long-held strategic transport priority for the council. We see the B714 as the missing link between the existing Three Towns bypass and the Dalry bypass.

“Its upgrade will significantly improve connectivity between North Ayrshire and Glasgow, the Central Belt and wider motorway network.”