Jeremy Hunt reconfirmed the UK Government’s commitment to work with the Scottish Government on options to improve the A75, in line with the findings from the Union Connectivity Review.
And he pledged £5 million towards a feasibility study for the road, which stretches from Gretna to Stranraer.
Scottish Secretary, and Dumfries and Galloway MP, Alister Jack said afterwards: “The need for improvements to the A75, which impacts on the lives of so many residents in our region and those passing through, has been a constant concern amongst my constituents and a detailed study will be a necessary and significant step forward.
“As Sir Peter Hendy’s team highlighted last year in the Union Connectivity Review, the road is also of importance to the entire UK and for an efficient international transport system.
“This is the right way forward. It remains important, however, that the Scottish Government look positively on this study and co-operate in taking any A75 improvement projects forward.”
Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell added: “I know many local people will strongly welcome the commitment to a feasibility study to improve the A75 between Cairnryan and the M6.
“This is an issue I have pressed with successive UK and Scottish Governments, so we now need to see them work together positively to deliver the improvements needed.”
And the move was also welcomed as ‘wonderful news’ by Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson, a long time A75 campaigner.
He said: “I warmly welcome this announcement as it will now move things along at a far quicker pace than originally envisaged.
“After all the campaigning it is satisfying to know that we are now seeing light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel.”
