Hauliers based in and around the southwest of Scotland that use the A75 between Stranraer and Dumfries have been able to adapt to avoid the nighttime closures.
The section of road being resurfaced is between Newton Stewart and Castle Douglas. Works took place at Mossyard from 29 September to 4 October, then at Auchenlarie from 7 October and is planned to be finished on Sunday 3 November 2024. The nighttime closures occur from 8pm and 6am with traffic sent on a 96-mile diversion via Ayr.
While local residents approached by the BBC said the closure was ‘totally unnecessary’ and was having a major impact, hauliers have been more circumspect.
Alan Richardson runs J Richardson Transport, which is based just outside Stranraer. “To avoid the diversion and road closure we have had to adjust our leaving times from Stranraer,” he explained to Transport News.
“With the road opening at 6am, it’s not been too bad but for some early deliveries on a Monday, we’ve had to send the truck away on the Sunday instead.
“It’s been the ferries who have really been affected by this.
“The diversion is too far, more than 100 miles and more than two hours of driving time, and that is just one way.”
Other hauliers, unwilling to go on the record, were divided. Opinion swung from recognising the need to complete the work as long as the daytime flow of traffic was retained, to surprise that a nighttime convoy system wasn’t in place.
All the local hauliers approached for comment acknowledged the ferry traffic was going to be more concerned due to the length and time of the diversion than anyone else.
Both P&O Ferries and Stena Line have been approached or comment.
A spokesperson for Amey, who maintain the southwest trunk road network on behalf of Transport Scotland, said: “The carriageway of the A75 at Auchenlarie and Mossyard is reaching the end of its operational life and is in need of repair.
“Doing this work now, will prevent these roads deteriorating during the winter period, which would cause more extensive disruption and inconvenience. 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. 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.
“The standard diversion route for this work has been agreed with stakeholders including the local authority and the emergency services and is required to be suitable for all types of vehicles, including HGVs.
“It has been utilised for previous schemes, and drivers are advised to drive with the appropriate care and attention, and to follow and adhere to the signage on the diversion route for their safety and the safety of others.
“By working overnight, and off-peak, every attempt has been made to reduce disruption, but the depth of treatment required and the challenging road widths at this location require the work to be delivered in this way, for the safety of road users and road workers.
“The work represents a £700,000 investment in the infrastructure of the economically vital A75 trunk road, and we hope local people and businesses will benefit from the continued safety and reliability of this stretch of the trunk road network.
“Details and updates about the scheme are available here and through our free Roadwork Alerts service.”
