Motorists in Scotland could be forced to embark on a “record breaking” journey which could take around two and a half hours as roadworks hamper a key trade route.
John Cooper MP spoke during a Parliamentary hearing, saying that his constituents in Dumfries and Galloway would be “setting a new record”.
He said traffic cones would close the A75 and force them to undertake a 96-mile diversion, with Cooper saying the closure between Newton Stewart and Castle Douglas was “not a one-off”.
The journey between the two towns normally takes 40 minutes, but will now require drivers to spend around two hours and 30 minutes in the car to make the 30-mile journey.
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The A75 diversion could take around two and a half hours
AMEY
He added: “While transport os devolved to the Scottish Parliament, I raise the issue here because the A75, grandly titled the Euro Route, although it’s often more akin to a cart track, has significance for every one of our constituents.
“Sir Peter Hendy’s Union Connectivity Review identified the A75 as the key link between Northern Ireland, Scotland and England, as it serves the busy ferry port of Cairnryan in my constituency. It’s of UK-wide importance.”
Estimates have suggested that as much as 60 per cent of Northern Ireland’s trade travels along the A75, although it could be battered by long delays and roadworks.
Cooper, who represents the Conservatives in Parliament, added that the A77, another road which services the Cairnryan port, could be a “record breaker”.
Data from the A77 Action Group shows that there have been three closures for road accidents and 161 closures for works between January and September this year.
The 57-year-old, who was elected as an MP in July’s General Election, added: “Scotland’s First Minister has agreed to visit Galloway to discuss roads from hell which are screaming out for investment beyond mere patch-ups.
“£5million in the Budget for the A75 is a start. I’ve invited the Secretary of State for Scotland to drive the A75 and the A77 too.
“He says his busy schedule will not allow. But might someone to the Department for Transport make time to see how awful these unenviable record breaking roads are?”
Cooper described the 96-mile diversion as “another kick in the teeth for motorists” as they continue to deal with long delays.
A number of motorists have complained about the long delays they now face as a result of the roadworks and the 150-minute diversion.
In response to the road closure, Amey, the contractor carrying out the work, defended the action, saying it would protect the road from being damaged further in the winter months.
A spokesperson told the BBC: “The dates of the work were arrived at in consultation with residents and businesses on this route, and special access arrangements have been made for them.
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Without roadworks, it would take drivers just over half an hour to travel from Newton Stewart to Castle Douglas
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“The original programme dates for this work were moved back to a time considered more suitable and less disruptive in response to this consultation.
“As well as local engagement there has been extensive discussion with ferry operators, the haulage industry, and the emergency services to mitigate the impact of this scheme.”
