MSP Finlay Carson has claimed a victory after Amey confirmed plans to implement safety measures at a number of junctions on the A75, including the accident hotspot at the Haugh of Urr.
A series of new safety measures are now being planned by the transport infrastructure company along the A75 in the coming months.
Yesterday the Galloway and West Dumfries MSP hailed the news, saying: “This is very welcome news that after years and years of campaigning to have this junction improved it is finally now going to actually happen.
“When I was first elected I was approached by local residents who voiced their deep concerns surrounding the Haugh of Urr junction and the serious risks involved.
“Since then I have raised it numerous times at Holyrood, both in parliamentary and ministerial questions as well as discussing the matter with various Transport Ministers.
“Earlier this year I asked Transport Scotland to investigate dangerous junctions on the A75 and, in particular, at the Haugh of Urr.”
The national transport body agreed to carry out a review of existing site conditions and the general infrastructure to make the route safer for motorists and HGVs.
Mr Carson continued: “Amey carried out a review to see if any potential improvements could be made to avoid any more personal injury collisions at a number of locations.
“At that time I also urged anyone who has had an accident or near misses to contact my constituency office with details so that we could pass them onto Transport Scotland.
“Now I am delighted that Amey has confirmed plans to introduce new safety measures at the Haugh of Urr junction where temporary warning signs are currently in place.
“While dates on when this work will take place have yet to be confirmed, I will be urging Amey to make it a high priority.”
Amey has also revealed it will carry out improvements at the Cuckoo Bridge roundabout with a scheme that will see the introduction of new traffic signals. This is a section of the A75 now renowned for traffic delays and any improvement must be welcomed.
The company has also confirmed plans for a road safety scheme at the four junctions around Twynholm.
Mr Carson added: “It is encouraging that Amey have plans in place and are presently working on a timescale when all the work will be carried out.
“Anything that improves the safety and resilience record on the A75 has to be welcomed and encouraged.”
The move comes after it was revealed that there have been seven fatal collisions on the A75 in the last five years, the most recent being in November 2023.
Official figures have also found that the road has been closed 18 times for unplanned incidents in 2023. The A75 has also been closed 13 times to undertake planned road maintenance works.
