DUMFRIES and Galloway is set to benefit from the scrapping of phase two of the HS2 scheme, it has emerged.
The UK Government say they will redirect the savings from the high speed rail project into other transport initiatives across the country.
And an upgrade of the A75 is one of those highlighted to get funding.
In a statement yesterday, the Department for Transport said an unnamed sum will be made available “to solve the pinch points on the A75 between Gretna and Stranraer, providing better links between the Cairnryan ferry terminals serving Northern Ireland and southwest Scotland – recognising the importance of east-west connectivity within the UK.”
It went on: “We will continue to work with the Scottish Government to deliver the benefits of this investment package and improve connectivity across the country.”
Welcoming the announcement, Dumfries and Galloway Council leader Cllr Gail Macgregor, said: “The A75 is a vital artery for communities and commerce across Dumfries and Galloway and the wider UK, and we welcome the announcement by the Prime Minister that there will be investment to improve the A75 following the recommendations in the Union Connectivity Review.
“This builds on the back of the A75 A77 Economic Impacts Report released in March 2023, which evidenced that upgrading the A75 will lead to reduced journey times and bring significant economic benefits and CO2 savings to our region and the UK.
“In turn, this will help us address the climate emergency and make our communities connected to the A75 safer places to live, work and visit.
“We look forward to working with the UK Government following their investment commitment, and the Scottish Government through Transport Scotland, which operates the A75.
“This is an exciting time for the region following the news last weekend of the £20m investment in Dumfries, the £18m investment from the Levelling Up Fund benefitting Dalbeattie and Stranraer announced at the start of the year, and now this investment in our main trunk road through the region.”
