Millions pledged to improve A75 route
The UK Government's committing the cash
£8 million in UK Government funding is being committed to develop plans for improving the A75 between Gretna and Stranraer.
It will also help deliver targeted improvements, such as alleviating pinch points, following the Scottish Government’s identification of a preferred option – bypassing the villages of Springholm and Crocketford.
The injection is part of a wider effort to improve roads and railways to boost connectivity between Wales, Scotland and England.
Government "committed" to improving connectivity
Transport secretary Mark Harper said: ““We are committed to delivering growth opportunities across the United Kingdom, including looking at ways to improve the A75.
“Today we are announcing more investment into projects that will boost connectivity and enhance transport connections across Scotland.
“I'd like to thank the Scottish Government for working collaboratively with us on these projects and I look forward to continuing to work closely with them on improving UK transport connectivity.”
A spokesperson for Dumfries and Galloway Council said: “This is fantastic news.
“We are delighted with this commitment to targeted improvement works along the A75 – a vital link for communities and commerce not only across Dumfries and Galloway but also the rest of the UK.
“Dumfries and Galloway Council has long campaigned to highlight the key role the A75 plays in the UK economy, uniquely providing connections across three countries, as highlighted within the Union Connectivity Review.
“This up-to-£8m investment for a detailed study on options for realigning the A75 around Springholm and Crocketford – which lie 10 and 12 miles west of Dumfries – is particularly welcome.
"Targeted improvements such as this can help cut travel times and CO2 emissions on the main trunk road through our region to the ferry terminals at Cairnryan.”