High winds, heavy rain and large waves during Storm Boelo damaged the road surface and sea wall south of Skelmorlie on Sunday, October 25, forcing the closure of the A781. Investigations and emergency repairs continue while engineers assess the carriageway, and road maintenance firm Amey cannot say when the road will reopen1.
A restricted access lane has been operating on the southbound carriageway since Wednesday, October 28 to help residents within the closure access their properties without travelling the full diversion1. The lane is coned off, with designated passing places, and vehicles are taken through under escort at a maximum of 10 mph1. Access is limited to residents and carers, and the lane remains closed to general traffic, including larger and heavier vehicles1. The lane is narrow, with voids beside it, and every run will be monitored1. The closure points are staffed at all times and access for emergency service vehicles is being maintained1.
Buses carrying pupils to Largs Academy will use the restricted lane on the southbound carriageway in the morning and afternoon, at agreed times only1. Teams at both ends of the closure will manage each movement, with buses travelling under vehicle escort at reduced speed1. Amey says it can suspend the service at short notice if site conditions or repair work creates a safety concern, and parents should contact the school for information about times1.
A signed diversion remains in place through Port Glasgow, Kilmacolm, Johnstone, Kilbirnie and Largs, and drivers should allow extra time1. Routenburn Road, Brisbane Glen Road and Meigle Road are not part of the diversion and should not be used for through traffic1.
"We know how disruptive this closure has been for the communities of Largs, Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay, and for families in particular."
Why it matters for households
Households in Largs, Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay are affected for as long as the closure lasts, and Amey cannot say when the road will reopen1. Residents and carers within the closure can use the restricted southbound lane, under escort at a maximum of 10 mph, but general traffic, including larger and heavier vehicles, cannot1. Families using school buses to Largs Academy have the escorted arrangement at agreed times in the morning and afternoon, and Amey says parents should contact the school for information about times1. Amey says the service can be suspended at short notice if site conditions or repair work creates a safety concern1. Drivers are directed to the signed diversion through Port Glasgow, Kilmacolm, Johnstone, Kilbirnie and Largs and should allow extra time, and the three named local roads should not be used for through traffic1. Emergency service vehicles retain access1.
What happens next
Investigations and emergency repairs continue while engineers assess the carriageway1. No reopening date has been given1. The escorted school bus arrangement continues at agreed times, subject to suspension at short notice1.
For households planning travel while the closure continues, see Should I Delay My Journey in Bad Weather? and the storms and snow hub. Background on the storm and the restoration of supplies is in Storm Boelo: What Happened and How Supplies Were Restored.
Sources (1)
- School buses escorted through A78 closure, removing lengthy detour | The Herald, heraldscotland.com
Delaying Journeys in Bad Weather
