Key south Scotland routes are a step closer to significant improvement bringing real benefits for users of these routes Transport Minister Keith Brown said today.

The Minister was speaking as he announced details of the bidders to tender for Transport Scotland’s A75 Dunragit Bypass and A77 Symington to Bogend Toll schemes. The Minister also announced that procurement of the £20 million A75 Hardgrove scheme would get underway on 30 July with the publication of the OJEU notice inviting expressions of interest from contractors.

On the A75, the Dunragit scheme, will provide three miles of new road and the Hardgrove to Kinmount scheme will provide over 2 miles of new road, both aimed at improving overtaking opportunities in both directions. While on the A77, the gaps in the central reservation will be closed and replaced with flyover junctions.


The four companies selected to bid for the A75 Dunragit are Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd., Carillion Construction Ltd., John Graham (Dromore) Ltd. and RJ McLeod (Contractors) Ltd. On the A77 Symington to Bogend Toll scheme, the selected bidders are RJ McLeod (Contractors) Ltd; South West Highways; John Paul Construction; Farrans (Construction) Limited.

Mr Brown said: “At the members Debate in May this year and again last month, I expressed the Scottish Government’s commitment to improving the A75. Today’s announcement is another stage in realising that commitment and this is news that the local community will welcome.

“On completion, these new overtaking opportunities will enhance journey time reliability and improve safety while supporting local communities. By enhancing routes such as the A75 and the A77, we are making real safety improvements by reducing the frustration often caused by congestion or slow moving traffic.

“By also improving connectivity , we can also make Scotland an attractive option for business, leisure and tourism.”

Construction of all 3 schemes is expected to start early in 2013 and be completed during 2014.

(GK)