Draft Proposals to Improve Transport in SW Scotland

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South of Scotland SNP MSP Joan McAlpine has welcomed the publication of draft proposals to improve transport links and infrastructure in South West Scotland. The draft publication of the South West Scotland Transport Study, which was launched on 27th June, gives local people and interested parties the opportunity to have their say on the future of transport in South West Scotland through a public consultation process.

 
Twenty-three potential options for further consideration have been put forward in the South West Scotland Transport Study, with the intention for these recommendations to be considered nationally in the second Strategic Transport Projects Review.
 
The options put forward include enhanced rail services, significant upgrades to the A75 and A77 to improve connectivity to the ports at Cairnryan, and upgrades to the A76 and to transport hubs in towns like Dumfries, Stranraer and Lockerbie.
 
Joan McAlpine MSP said:
“I am very pleased that the South West Scotland Transport Study is now available, and I’m looking forward to reading in detail the proposals put forward.
“I am glad that the study takes forward proposals I have backed, such as new stations, and upgrades to road and rail networks, particularly upgrades to A75 and A76.
“I’m encouraged by proposals for a new railway connections and a Dumfries to Stranraer line which would be great for the region, and I’m glad that such an ambitious, popular, and environmentally friendly project is included.
“This is an opportunity to get South West priorities earmarked for the national transport strategy, so I would encourage everyone to respond to the public consultation with their views.”
 
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said:
“We understand the importance of connectivity for the South West of Scotland and extensive stakeholder engagement and data gathering has taken place during this study to help us develop a good understanding of the issues and opportunities for strategic transport links across all modes.
“The draft report will now be available for eight weeks to allow all those with an interest to provide comments on it. Following this, the emerging recommendations will be considered as part of the nationwide Strategic Transport Projects Review which will set out future transport infrastructure investment priorities.
“We have already had valuable local input into the Study with more than 3000 people contributing and we will keep them updated as work progresses.”

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