A78
A78 | |||||||
Location Map ( geo) | |||||||
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From: | Greenock (NS279762) | ||||||
To: | Monkton (NS365286) | ||||||
Distance: | 40.6 miles (65.3 km) | ||||||
Meets: | A8, A770, B7054, B7025, A760, B782, B7048, B781, B7047, A738, B780, B714, A738, B779, A737, B7080, A71, B7080, A759, B746, A79, A77 | ||||||
Former Number(s): | A742 | ||||||
Old route now: | A770, A738, A737 | ||||||
Primary Destinations | |||||||
Highway Authorities | |||||||
Traditional Counties | |||||||
Route outline (key) | |||||||
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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 halves: the northern section is mostly unimproved, passing though such settlements as Largs and Inverkip, while the southern half is a high-standard D2 and D3 dual-carriageway connecting Ardrossan and Irvine to Ayr. The A78 is one of just sixteen F99 routes that have the unusual distinction of maintaining green-signage throughout their entire length. The others are the A12, A14, A16, A17, A22, A42, A43, A45, A53, A55, A75, A83, A84, A86, and A87.
History
The A78 has had many improvements over the years. The biggest change was a rerouting of the northern end of the road in 1985, away from its original terminal in Gourock to Greenock. 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 Wemyss Bay railway Station. The crossing takes 35 minutes.
Flood Gates
Two sections of the A78 between Skelmorlie and Largs are controlled by flood gates as and when required. The gates do not prevent flooding, they prevent access to flooded sections of the road at the last points where diversions are available. However, the diversion routes use fairly narrow roads and are not suitable for large vehicles.
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 |
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1962 | Kilwinning Bypass | The 2 mile D2 dual carriageway was opened on either 24 or 31 August 1962 by Daniel Sim, County Convener. 24 foot carriageways and 15 foot central reservation. Cost £500,000 excluding land and compensation charges. | |
1976 | Irvine Bypass | The 5.5 mile D2/D3 dual carriageway was opened on 12 March 1976 by Lord Kirkhill, Minister of State. Contractor was W. and C. French (Construction) Ltd., cost £8.75 million. | |
1983 | Loans Bypass | The 3.9 mile dual carriageway from Dundonald Camp to Monkton was due to fully open on 17 September 1983 per the Irvine Herald of 2 September 1983. Part of the road had opened earlier. Cost £7.43 million. It completed the almost 20 mile dual carriageway from Kilwinning to Ayr. | |
1983 | Greenock - Inverkip | The 2.2 mile dualling with a short diversion was completed in 1983 per the Roads in Scotland Report for 1983. Opened as A742. | |
1985 | Greenock - Inverkip | Road rerouted onto old A742 through Spango Valley. | |
2004 | Three Towns Bypass | S2+1/D2 bypass of Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston | |
2005 | Bankfoot Roundabout | Junction rebuilt to roundabout |
Links
Roads UK
New Road information
- Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston Bypass - Opening Ceremony Brochure 21 December 2004 (archive.org)
Pictures