The controversial closure of a section of the A78 will be lifted tonight at 8pm - less than three days after being implemented.

Through traffic will be permitted after that time, managed by three way lights at the junction of Routenburn Road.

With the easing of travel restrictions on Friday, traffic is likely to increase over the weekend and Scottish Water is expecting all traffic management to lift on Monday.

In order to expedite works, access through the works will remain only for blue light emergency service vehicles until the re-opening tonight. 

Marshals at Brisbane Glen Road will remain in place until the closure is lifted, but the road will remain closed until all diversion signs have been removed from the diverted route.

A Scottish Water spokesperson said: “We were acutely aware of the impact the road closure was having on the communities in and around Largs so we are delighted to be able to re-open the affected stretch of road to single-file traffic.

“Temporary traffic lights and a single-file traffic system will be in place during the remainder of the work and we will do everything possible to complete this work, reinstate the road and remove the remaining lane closure as quickly as we can.

“We thank affected road users, residents and businesses for their continued patience, understanding and co-operation.”