§ Mr Monroasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he proposes to take to accelerate improvements to the A75 in the light of the high accident rate.
§ Mr. McElhoneThe accident rate is comparable with that of other roads, but its reduction is nevertheless desirable and is one of several reasons for improving the route. The planned improvement schemes will start as soon as possible once the statutory and design procedures have been completed.
§ Mr. Monroasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the full improvement programme for the A75 including a forecast of the date when each improved section will be ready for use.
§ Mr. McElhoneImprovements under construction and planned to start over the next five years are as follows:—
Under Construction
- Newton Stewart bypass (open to traffic before end of 1978)
- Shennanton bridge (estimated completion date—April 1980)
To start in 1979–83
- Drumflower bridge
- Palnure—Phase II Improvement
- Carsluith diversion
- Collin diversion
239 - Muil-Ardachie
- Barluka improvement
- Creetown diversion
- Threave bridge
- Annan bypass
- Glenluce bypass
- Gatehouse of Fleet bypass
The schemes not yet begun are set out in the present likely order of starts. But because improvements on the road carry a high priority, they will be started as soon as possible once the statutory and design procedures are completed, and not necessarily in the above order. I cannot, therefore, state specifically now when each improvement will be completed and ready for use.