SCOTLAND’S new Transport Minister is being urged to become directly involved in progressing improvements to the A75 and A77.
Alister Jack MP, who represents Dumfries and Galloway constituency, has written to Kevin Stewart to congratulate him on his appointment.
He also took the opportunity to highlight a report jointly published last week by Dumfries and Galloway Council and partner local authorities in south west Scotland and Northern Ireland showing dualling both routes would deliver £5 billion of ‘positive benefits’ to the UK economy.
The major investment would bring improvements including reduced journey times and vehicle operating costs of £700m and combined carbon dioxide equivalent savings of around £95m.
Mr Jack pointed out that a clear benefit for his constituents would be much improved road safety on the routes, a wider boost to quality of life and in areas such as tourism and hospitality. He stated amongst his initial priorities would be bypasses for Crocketford and Springholm and increased investment in the A77.
In his letter, the MP wrote: “Quite simply, there is an economic imperative to upgrade these roads.
“As Sir Peter Hendy identified in the UK Government’s Union Connectivity Review, the A75 is a crucial freight link with two in three heavy goods vehicles travelling via the ports at Cairnryan, some to and from England.
“My constituents have waited too long for these roads to be upgraded and I was delighted that in last year’s autumn statement, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced development funding for options to improve the A75.”
However, explained Mr Jack, completion of a business case by the Scottish Government would be a key component for projects to progress on the A75.
Mr Jack concluded: “I would be grateful if you could provide an update on this matter and reassurance that this will remain a focus for you and the Scottish Government.”
