A major investment for a key route to port has taken a step forward with the publication of draft orders for the £5 million A77 Drummuckloch to Innermessan scheme.

The upgrade will improve traffic flow on the A77 south of Port Loch Ryan, one of the south west’s key routes providing connections from Stranraer to the central belt.

The orders mark the formal start of the statutory process for this scheme which will provide safe overtaking opportunities over a one and a half mile stretch of this vital route.

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Stewart Stevenson, Transport Minister, said: "Earlier this year plans were announced relocate the Stena ferry port to Cairnryan.

"This move makes the Scottish Government’s continued investment in the A77 and the A75 all the more important.

"Ensuring better traffic flow is a key part of this, and today is another step forward in our work to upgrade the A77. With £29 million of investment already delivered on these routes and a further £60 million committed in our current programme, we can ensure the long term sustainable economic growth of both businesses and communities across south west Scotland."

The M77/A77 is a key strategic route between Glasgow and south west communities and businesses. It serves the ferry ports to Northern Ireland and Prestwick International Airport as well as the regional centres of Stranraer, Ayr, Prestwick, Troon and Kilmarnock.

(GK/BMcC)