The A77 Symington and Bogend Toll improvements scheme in Scotland has taken a step forward with the transport minister Keith Brown opening the Bogend Toll bridge to traffic.

The bridge will facilitate traffic movement at the junction by providing commuters with safer access to and from the A77.

Speaking at the opening, Brown said the scheme forms part of a £36.7m upgrade to the A77 and A75, and improves access to key ports.

"The new Bogend Toll and Symington bridges will allow road users to join and leave the A77 without having to cut across oncoming traffic."

"The new Bogend Toll and Symington bridges will allow road users to join and leave the A77 without having to cut across oncoming traffic, making the A77 much safer," Brown said.

"Work has continued on the scheme with one eye on ensuring road users can feel the benefits as early as possible. This is why we have opened sections of the scheme incrementally to traffic."

This latest development follows the opening of the new Symington Bridge last month.

Other improvements in the pipeline include modifications to junctions, new footways and cycleways, and the new Whitelees Link Road.

The scheme is scheduled to conclude in the coming weeks.