28/10/2026
Amey South West Trunk Roads
📣 A78 SHORE ROAD UPDATE: LIMITED REOPENING OF SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY AS STORM BOELO REPAIRS CONTINUE
Wednesday 28th October 2026: The southbound carriageway is being reopened to residents and carers within the extent of the works, and emergency vehicles, only, under a temporary speed restriction.
The southbound carriageway is not suitable for HGVs and larger vehicles, and this traffic will still be required to follow the existing diversion route.
Southbound traffic should leave the A78 at Port Glasgow and follow the A761 through Kilmacolm to Johnstone, then the A737 to Kilbirnie, the B780 and B777, and the A760 to rejoin the A78 at Largs. Northbound traffic should follow the same route in reverse. The diversion uses roads suitable for all vehicle types, including HGVs, and road users should allow extra time for their journeys.
Overnight on Tuesday 27th October 2026, teams cleared debris from the carriageway, allowing a segregated single lane to be set up within the closure. Residents within the closure will be able to travel north or south along the southbound lane, using passing places, with access controlled at the closure points. Residents are asked to follow the instructions of the staff on site. An access letter is being delivered to households within the closed section explaining the entry and exit arrangements. Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained.
Resurfacing works are planned to take place overnight on Thursday 29th October 2026. For one night only, resident access through the closed section will not be available while this work is carried out. Residents will be advised of the timings in the letter drop and through the staff at the closure points.
A date is yet to be confirmed for the road to fully re-open to all traffic. Detailed structural and geotechnical assessments of the carriageway and sea defences are continuing and will determine the scope of the permanent repairs.
The road was closed early on Sunday 25th October 2026 after high winds, heavy rain, and large waves overtopped the sea defences south of Skelmorlie. Inspections found widespread damage to the carriageway along the seaward side of the carriageway, together with a section of sea wall that had been washed away. Amey teams have been on site since the early hours of Sunday and the closure points remain staffed at all times(
