SCOTTISH Borders motorists are facing a 96-mile diversion as a major road is temporarily closed this week.
Due to scheduled improvement works on the A75 in Dumfries and Galloway a stretch of the road will be closed between 8pm and 6am – with more work planned at the end of the month.
The work will be carried out by maintenance firm Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, and it said the diversion could take up to two-and-a-half hours.
The A75 between Gretna and Stranraer is the main route across Dumfries and Galloway going to and from the ferry ports at Cairnryan.
Due to the diversion journeys between Newton Stewart and Castle Douglas, which normally take 40 minutes, it will now take around more than four times longer.
Work began last week at Mossyard with the next phase at Auchenlarie with more than £700,000 being invested in the road improvements.
Amey said the maintenance work is needed due to the condition of the carriageway and that residents and local businesses were consulted in advance of the road closure.
It added there had been “extensive discussions” with ferry operators, the haulage industry and emergency services to mitigate the diversions impact.
Overnight closures will take place from Monday night until Sunday morning, with more work planned between October 28 and November 2.
