A KEY trunk road which connects Inverclyde with North Ayrshire is set to close for essential improvement work.

The A78 will be shut between Largs and Skelmorlie over two consecutive nights on Monday and Tuesday.

Scotland TranServ — which is responsible for the road — will shut the route off at Knockcastle between 10pm and 6am on both nights.

Project manager Simon McColm said: “This is a short but extremely significant programme of work to improve this stretch of the A78 trunk road between Largs and Skelmorlie, which is reaching the end of its operational life.

“Every effort has been made to reduce disruption to local drivers, with the work scheduled for two overnight closures.

“The project will deliver tangible long-term benefits for local drivers and freight traffic alike, as well as creating a positive first impression on visitors heading north.” The road will be closed between 10pm and 6am on the two days when the resurfacing work will be carried out.

Inverclyde Council has been consulted about the work along with its North Ayrshire and Renfrewshire counterparts. A diversion route is available to view on the Scotland TranServ website — www.scotlandtranserv.co.uk Contract director Russell Rennie said: “Working with organisations throughout the region we’re carefully planning our work to ensure important projects are delivered as quickly and safely as possible, with minimal inconvenience.”