THE second phase of resurfacing works on the A75 between Skyreburn and Cardoness will begin next month – with more lengthy diversions for motorists.
From Monday November 4 to Wednesday November 6 there will be overnight closures from 8 pm to 6 am each night to allow for resurfacing of 780 metres of trunk road.
The work represents a £700,000 investment into the A75, but the 96.4 mile diversion via Ayr and Girvan during the first bout of works infuriated Galloway residents by adding hours to their journeys.
A similar diversion will be in place during next month’s works, as is follows: A75 traffic intending to travel southbound will be diverted to exit the A75 at Castle Douglas and will join the A713 northbound towards Ayr. At Bankfield Roundabout, traffic will take the first exit to join the A77 southbound and will travel to Girvan. At Shallochpark Roundabout, traffic will take the second exit onto the A714 and will be able to re-join the A75 at Newton Stewart. A75 northbound traffic will follow the same diversion route but in the reverse direction.
Vehicles are also able to use the A77 between Girvan and Cairnryan/Stranraer.
In response to criticism, a spokesperson for Amey, the company that maintains the south-west trunk road network on behalf of Transport Scotland, said: “The standard diversion route for maintenance on the A75 during autumn 2024 has been agreed with stakeholders such as the local authority and the emergency services and is required to be suitable for all types of vehicles including HGVs. Due to safe working practices, implementing a convoy system to deliver this programme of work is not a viable option.
“The stretch of A75 being resurfaced has varied widths with the narrowest sections falling well below the minimum requirements, the location also has poor alignment and offers very little forward visibility to road users.
“By working overnight, and off-peak, every attempt has been made to reduce disruption, but the depth of treatment required and the challenging road widths at this location require the work to be delivered in this way, for the safety of road users and road workers and as a result we have carried out substantial consultation with local stakeholders to develop and communicate this maintenance.”
