DRIVERS are winding their way down the new-look Baker Street after a major revamp of the key Greenock route was completed.

Work to realign the road has finished as part of a wider £3m regeneration project for the area.

It will pave the way for the development of a food and drink sector incubator hub planned for the adjacent land, which has been cleared.

The road re-opened to traffic on Friday, ending months of rush hour misery for motorists who had to take diversions on other busy roads to get from one end of town to the other.

Baker Street has been realigned between Ingleston Street and Drumfrochar Road to remove the dangerous sharp bend.

Buildings at the east end of Drumfrochar Road were flattened to make way for the new stretch of roadway.

The traffic lights at the junction of Baker Street and Ingleston Street have also been improved with revised signal timings.

Kerbs have been lowered and a programme of tree planting and landscaping is now under way.

Roads bosses say the work improves sightlines for drivers and makes it safer and easier for pedestrians to move around the area.

Councillor Michael McCormick, convener of the council’s environment and regeneration committee, said: “This work will improve traffic flows in and around the area and improve road safety.

"Previously lorries had to cut across the carriageway to negotiate the bend in the road.

“Bakers Brae, as it is known locally to many people, is an important route into Greenock.

"The poor road layout, combined with vacant and derelict buildings lining the road, gave a poor impression of the area and stifled local investment and economic activity.

“This major investment will really enhance the entire area by improving access for commercial vehicles, improving safety for drivers and pedestrians and creating a green buffer through the tree planting programme.

“We very much appreciate the patience that drivers and local residents have shown while work has been underway on this important project and it’s wonderful that they will now start to see the benefits.”

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Jim Stevenson, site agent with contractors RJ McLeod, and Cllr McCormick.