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Feedback sought on six route options for new bypass on A75

News imageBBC A timber lorry, heavily laiden, drives through the village of Crocketford with a sign for Dumfries and Carlisle to its left. There is a grass banking, hedge and tees at the side of the road and a "thank you for driving carefully" sign.BBC
The A75 is a busy route for freight traffic

Transport Scotland has sought feedback on six route options for bypassing Springholm and Crocketford in south-west Scotland.

The villages sit on the busy A75 which is used by lorries travelling to and from ferry ports at Cairnryan.

Public engagement events are taking place in the two communities on Monday and Tuesday.

Transport Scotland said the options included building stretches of dual carriageway, and single carriageway with dedicated overtaking opportunities through an additional lane.

The public will also be able to see the options which have been ruled out and learn the reasons why, as well as view the types of junctions and accesses that are being considered.

For years, there have been calls for a bypass.

Transport Scotland said it would take until at least early 2027 to identify a preferred route.

News imageA map of south west Scotland showing the locations of Crocketford and Springholm - a few miles to the west of Dumfries towards Stranraer
The two villages are the only ones on the A75 without bypasses

Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn said the Scottish government was committed to improving the A75's safety, resilience and reliability.

He said: "Springholm and Crocketford are the only two settlements on this busy route which are yet to be 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 UK government is providing £8.45m towards the project.

UK Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood said: "This could mean better access to jobs, education and healthcare, boosting economic growth across the region.

"I look forward to working with the Scottish government to help deliver this project."