IMPROVEMENTS to the A75 are progressing with £8 million worth of funding being allocated from the UK Government.
It was announced yesterday that Transport Scotland are to undertake a feasibility study, funded by the UK Department for Transport for improvements, including by-passes around Springholm and Crocketford, while alleviating pinch points along the route between Gretna and Stranraer.
The A75 was one of ten projects selected following the Union Connectivity Review in order to strengthen transport links between communities and across the UK, helping to drive tourism and grow the economy.
Following Thursday’s announcement, a spokesperson for the South West Scotland Transport Alliance (SWSTA), which includes Stena Line, P&O Ferries and Belfast Harbour, said: “This is the most meaningful announcement about the A75 for many years, and it is to the credit of the Department for Transport and Transport Scotland that they have been able to reach agreement. We have always asked for a way to be found which enables the UK Government to provide the financial backing for the Scottish Government to put spades in the ground, and that appears to have happened.
“This announcement by the UK Government, finally appears to be putting us on a tangible path from words to action and provides a foundation for discussions over other possible improvements to roads. We look forward to working further with Transport Scotland and the UK Government as this progresses.”
A spokesperson for Dumfries and Galloway Council added: “This is fantastic news.
“We are delighted with this commitment to targeted improvement works along the A75 – a vital link for communities and commerce not only across Dumfries and Galloway but also the rest of the UK.
“This up-to-£8m investment for a detailed study on options for realigning the A75 around Springholm and Crocketford is particularly welcome. Targeted improvements such as this can help cut travel times and CO2 emissions on the main trunk road through our region to the ferry terminals at Cairnryan.”
