ROAD maintenance firm Amey has defended a 96-mile diversion as part of works to improve stretches of the A75
The resurfacing works began last Sunday at Auchenlarie and Mossyard, with overnight closure between 8 pm and 6 am. During these hours traffic is being diverted via Girvan and Dalmellington in Ayrshire.
Amey previously said that the carriageway had reached the end of its operational life and the diversion route had been agreed with the council and emergency services.
But the decision has prompted criticism on social media from road users, with the diversion described as ‘absolutely ridiculous and ‘crazy’ as it takes traffic off the road between Castle Douglas and Newton Stewart and up almost as far as Ayr, as well as taking up to two-and-a-half hours to get round.
In response to the criticism this week, a spokesperson for Amey said:
“The dates of the work were arrived at in consultation with residents and businesses on this route, and special access arrangements have been made for them.
“The original programme dates for this work were moved back to a time considered more suitable and less disruptive in response to this consultation.
“As well as local engagement there has been extensive discussion with ferry operators, the haulage industry, and the emergency services to mitigate the impact of this scheme.”
The work at Mossyard continues today [Friday] before moving to Auchenlarie in two phases.
One will see total overnight closures between Monday October 7 and Saturday October 12 before they are paused for half-term holidays and then resume between 28 October and 2 November.
