ONE of Barrhead’s busiest roads will shut for seven weeks as resurfacing works are carried out.

East Renfrewshire Council (ERC) plans to upgrade Lochlibo Road in two phases as part of a major investment in the region’s roads.

Roadworks on the well-used commuter route, which runs from Barrhead all the way to Irvine, will start on Monday, March 13 and run until Friday, April 28.

Lochlibo Road will be closed during each phase, with necessary diversions put in place.

The first section from Holehouse Brae to Shillford Mill Road in Neilston will be carried out from March 13 to Friday, March 31.

Phase two from Shillford Road to Neilston Road, Uplawmoor is set to last around a month, with work beginning on Saturday, April 1.

The local authority has assured residents who will be directly affected that they will have access to their homes.

Businesses located within the area will also be able to use the road.

A temporary 40mph speed limit will be enforced on Uplawmoor Road for the duration of the works, as well as a set of one-way roads at the overlap of the road closure sections.

Councillor Tony Buchanan, convener for infrastructure and sustainable growth, said: “We are committed to improving our road network and invest around £4.2 million every year to maintain key routes throughout East Renfrewshire.

“Lochlibo Road is well-used by residents and commuters from further afield so I’m pleased that such extensive work is now being carried out to resurface the road.

“I appreciate that the closure will cause some delays but we appreciate residents’ patience as we carry out these improvement works.”

The road has gained a reputation in recent years as an accident blackspot, with regular accidents and several tragic fatalities in numerous accidents.

It leads from Barrhead, past Neilston and Uplawmoor before running to Shilford and on to Irvine.

The road is a major commuter route for many who wish to avoid the M77 when travelling to the south and west of Glasgow.

The resurfacing works follow ERC’s decision to set aside £87,000 from its next budget aimed at improving the appearance of the area’s villages.

As well as upgrades to its roads and pavements, Neilston’s Kingston Playing Fields have also been singled out for investment.

Plans are in motion to build a new skate park and refurbish children’s play equipment.