The new and improved Fullarton footbridge at Irvine’s mall carpark has now been installed after the delayed works led to traffic chaos last week.

New Street from the Station Roundabout to Fullarton Roundabout was closed from 8am to 6pm on Monday last week [May 24] for the installation of the new footbridge – with residents reporting long queues.

The footbridge had been undergoing refurbishment works to increase safety and access as well as to enhance the overall look of the prominent bridge – with the footbridge removed to allow the works to be undertaken off-site.

The council initially planned to reinstate the bridge back in April, however there was a slight delay because hidden defects were found which had to be rectified.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “We are delighted that works are now almost complete, allowing the footbridge at New Street in Irvine to be reinstalled.

“These works are to increase safety and access as well as enhance the overall look of the prominent bridge, which links pedestrians from Fullarton to the multi storey car park at the Rivergate Shopping Centre.

“The works, which got underway in February, would usually result in a lengthy road closure.

“However, to avoid disruption to road users as much as possible, we opted to have the bridge removed and works undertaken off-site.

“This meant that a road closure was only required on two days – on Monday 22 February, to remove the bridge and

on Monday, May 24, to reinstall the bridge.

“While we recognise that this would have created some inconvenience on these two dates, this was the least disruptive option and meant that we could avoid lengthy road closures.

“We would like to thank people for their patience.”