A75 improvements get underway

Transport Scotland will invest £9.2 million into Dumfries and Galloway's infrastructure by widening the A75 at three sections along the 159 km trunk road to provide safe overtaking opportunities.

A 875m section at Barfil to Bettyknowes will have overtaking opportunities provided and the road alignment improved.

A 375m section of road at Newton Stewart will also be widened with a cycle route provided to take cyclists away from the trunk road, through Newton Stewart.

And from Planting End to Drumflower a 1km stretch will be widened to allow overtaking with alignment also being improved.

Overall the work will improve safety and traffic flow by allowing faster moving vehicles to overtake platoons of slower vehicles - reducing driver frustration and improving road safety and journey times.

Both the Barfil to Bettyknowes and Planting End to Drumflower schemes will also provide safe crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said:

"The A75 is a vital link in Scotland's transport network. This project will bring benefits for communities and businesses across the South West by safely improving traffic flow and improving connections.

"This multi-million pound investment is a key part of our aim to have a more efficient road network and I am delighted work is getting underway to make the A75 a safer route that will help build stronger communities."

The A75 links South Ayrshire with Dumfries and Galloway through Stranraer, Dumfries and Gretna, carrying around 10,000 vehicles a day. It also connects ferry terminals at Stranraer with the M74 and A77.

Single lane working with a reduced speed of 40mph will be required to allow work to take place safely. Contractor Graham Construction will start work today and the programme will be delivered until spring 2008.