The improvements are part of South Lanarkshire Council’s Accident Investigation and Prevention (AIP), Route Action Plan (RAP) improvement works.

The road safety improvements include enhanced/improved signing and high friction carriageway surfacing.

The works are scheduled to be carried out in two phases.

Phase one, which is located adjacent to Beechwood Cattery, will begin on Monday 24 February and is programmed to be completed by Friday 28 February, weather and resources permitting. The A726 will be closed from its junction with Crutherland Highway and its junction with the access to East Kilbride Wind Farm during the works.

Phase two, which is located at the junction of Coldstream Road, Strathaven, is due to start on Monday 10 March and is programmed to be completed by Friday 14 March. The A726 will be closed from Westlands to Cloverhill Cottage during the works.

If either date changes for any reason, signs will be used to notify road users of the revised dates.

A diversion will be in place via A726-A723-A72-A724-B7012-A725 and vice versa.

Head of Roads, Fleet and Transportation Services, Colin Park, said: “We apologise in advance for any inconvenience these essential safety works may cause to road users.

“It would be helpful if road users could avoid the area if possible, and if not, to leave extra time for their journey and take into account the diversion route.

“We hope all road users will appreciate the improvements when the works are complete.”