Council backs A75 bypass

LONG awaited bypasses of Springholm and Crocketford on the A75 present a “transformative opportunity” for these communities, according to Dumfries and Galloway Council’s leader.

Councillor Stephen Thompson is excited about the benefits that these earmarked road improvements could bring, but has stressed the views of local residents and business owners must be taken on board.

A public consultation process is currently underway after Transport Scotland unveiled initial route options: a single carriageway, with and without dedicated overtaking lanes; and dual carriageway cross-sections.

Transport Scotland is actively seeking feedback from members of the public and organisation on their options, and want to hear feedback on people’s current experiences of travelling the routes, any local features or constraints, and comments on how the different routes may affect properties, businesses, the environment and public transport.

The matter will be discussed by councillors at next week’s economy and infrastructure committee.

But Dumfries and Galloway Council has now formulated its formal response in a letter signed off by council leader Stephen Thompson.

He wrote: “We are particularly pleased to see the involvement of local residents in the engagement process. These communities are directly impacted by the current alignment of the A75, which effectively divides both villages and contributes to noise, safety concerns, and reduced quality of life.

“The implementation of bypasses presents a transformative opportunity for Springholm and Crocketford to re-establish themselves as cohesive communities. This would need to be supported through the development of local place plans, that could enhance the viability of existing businesses, attract new investment, and potentially enable the expansion of housing opportunities.

“Both settlements are currently served by a seven-day-a-week bus network and we, along with Transport Scotland, would work to ensure connectivity can be maintained and enhanced as part of the project.

“We recognise that some local businesses may currently benefit from passing trade along the A75, and we would encourage Transport Scotland to engage directly with these businesses to understand and address any concerns they may have.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “We are committed to improving safety, resilience and reliability for everyone who uses the A75, including freight operators.

“The initial design work looking at options to bypass the villages of Springholm and Crocketford on the A75 is well underway. We have identified a number of initial options to the north and the south of the villages including single carriageway, both with and without overtaking lanes and dual carriageway options.

“These options will now be subject to further development and assessment, and we are asking for feedback from members of the public and other stakeholders to help shape our plans.

“Springholm and Crocketford are the only two settlements on the busy route which have not yet been bypassed and we are pleased to be taking this work forward to improve the lives of people living, visiting and working in the villages.

“The work being undertaken will culminate with the identification of a preferred route option for bypassing Springholm and Crocketford, expected in early 2027.”

The consultation feedback is open to everyone to respond and closes at 5 pm on November 7.

View the options online at: www.transport.gov.scot/projects/a75-springholm-and-crocketford-improvements-scheme/.