Motorists in Ayrshire are being warned to expect disruption as Amey tackle an outbreak of Ash Dieback disease on trees along the A77.
For five weeks from Monday, February 24, the trunk road operator will be felling a number of trees along the A77 between the Grassyards Interchange in Kilmarnock and the Glengall Rail Overbridge in Ayr.
Overnight lane closures between 8pm and 6am will be in place along sections of the road in both directions until Friday, March 28.
Ash Dieback is a chronic fungal infection of European ash trees that was first discovered in 2006.
It is fatal in up to 85 per cent of cases and Scottish Forestry estimate between 50 and 75 per cent of ash trees in Scotland will be lost over the next 20 years as a result.
Efforts to tackle Ash Dieback mostly focus on mitigating the risk of dead or dying trees becoming a hazard due to the prevalence of the disease across the UK.
A spokesperson for Amey said: “Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, is undertaking essential woodland management on the A77 between Grassyards Interchange in Kilmarnock and Glengall Rail Overbridge in Ayr from Monday, February 24, until Friday, March 28 between the hours of 8pm and 6am each night.
“This tree felling is required due to the presence of Ash Dieback disease and will be carried out with the use of overnight lane closures.
“Access for emergency service vehicles will be maintained throughout these works.
“Please note, all schemes are weather dependent and may be cancelled or rescheduled if weather conditions are not favourable.”
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