The move follows Transport Scotland’s recent public exhibition.
WYG Environment Planning Transport Ltd. has been contracted to carry out detailed investigations and provide vital technical information.
The work will take place between February and April 2013.
Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "Earlier this month I was in Maybole to set out the preferred route for the town’s bypass and to once again hear the desire locally for this project to be progressed as soon as possible.
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"Less than two weeks later, we are about to get important ground investigation work underway, giving us the detailed information needed to progress the draft Orders later this year.
"The Scottish Government is committed to delivering road schemes that help ease daily burdens for communities like Maybole, while speeding up journeys for road users."
Minister Brown continued: "Constructing a bypass at Maybole will help separate local traffic from vehicles travelling further afield, including to and from the Loch Ryan ports. This will lead to improved road safety for local communities and road users alike and provide better journey time reliability for motorists and businesses along the full length of the A77."
The ground investigation work is to be carried out between February and April 2013.
The majority of the work will take place off the road, although some work will be required on the existing A77.
Transport Scotland says the contractor will ensure traffic management is deployed to keep disruption to a minimum during the works.
(IT)
