M74 motorway to undergo £40m upgrade over the next five years

M74: Plans to upgrade in Dumfries and Galloway.

A stretch of motorway through Dumfries and Galloway is set to undergo a £40m upgrade over the next five years.

The programme of works will make improvements to the M74 between Junction 22 at Gretna and Junction 12 at Millibank, extending its long-term life.

These are the first major repairs since 1997 to be carried out on the route, which is more than 20 years old in some places.

A spokesperson for Transport Scotland and Autolink said: “This busy motorway carries over 30,000 vehicles a day and is the main route between the border and the central belt.

“This project is being delivered in several phases over the next five years and, on completion, will deliver over 80 miles of new road surface – equivalent to 200 football fields.

“We are working closely with local communities to ensure they are kept abreast of these works as they are delivered. Our aim is to minimise disruption but traffic management is essential for the safety of road workers and road users alike.

“We urge drivers to plan their journeys in advance using all the available information such as Traffic Scotland website and radio bulletins.”

During the work, due to begin on June 30, traffic will be limited to 40mph in the interests of safety for workers and motorists.

Drivers are advised to allow extra time for journeys or consider using an alternative route while the works are being carried out.

IN DETAIL

Transport Scotland

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