A78
From Roader's Digest: The SABRE Wiki
| A78 | ||||
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| From: | Greenock (NS279762) | |||
| To: | Monkton (NS366286) | |||
| Length: | 40.6 miles (65.3 km) | |||
| Meets: | A8, A770, A760, A738, A737, A736, A759, A79, A77 | |||
| Former Number(s): | A742 | |||
| Primary Destinations | ||||
| Ayr • Greenock • Irvine • | ||||
| Highways Authorities | ||||
| Traditional Counties | ||||
| Route outline (key) | ||||
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Contents |
Route
The A78 is a major road that runs between Greenock and Monkton via Irvine. Hugging close to the Firth of Clyde it is a road of two halfs. The northern section is mostly unimproved though the various towns and villages of the route while the southern half is a D2/D3 high standard dual carriageway.
History
Over the years the A78 has had many improvement over the years. The biggest change was a rerouteing of the road in 1985. Most of the improvements though are on the southern section of the road starting from the Three Towns.
Notable locations and improvements
Bankfoot Roundabout
Bankfoot Roundabout is where the A78 used to TOTSO before the 1985 rerouteing. Originally a T-junction and later a D2 T-junction, in 2005 it was upgraded to a roundabout and made the junction far safer.
Rothesay Ferry
The Rothesay ferry is the southern Ferry for the Isle of Bute. It is by far the busier of the two as it docks by Wyness Bay railway Station. The crossing takes 35 minutes.
Cumbrae Ferry
The Cumbrae Ferry is the sole crossing to Great Cumbrae Island. Accessed via the B7025 it is a short 10 minute ferry and is a busy route.
Newhouse Interchange
The Newhouse Interchange marks the end of the Irvine bypass. Built in the 1970's, it is a busy roundabout.
Opening Dates
| Month | Year | Section | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Bankfoot Roundabout | Junction rebuilt to roundabout | |
| 2004 | Three Towns Bypass | S2+1/D2 bypass of the Three Towns | |
| 1985 | Spango Valley | Road rerouted onto old A742. | |
| 1970 | Irvine Bypass | D2/D3 bypass of Irvine. |
Pictures
 Here is the A78 in the Northern end of Fairlie. |
Links
CBRD
roadsUK
Wikipedia
