The MSP behind the local Transport Summit has made the case for significant investment to develop faster road and rail links to the central belt.
The calls come as part of Joan McAlpine’s submission to the National Transport Strategy – which will ultimately dictate transport priorities across the whole of Scotland.
Ms McAlpine – whose election campaign led to the summit – says that significant investment in the A75, A701 and A709, as well as electrification of the Nith Valley line, will help encourage more people to visit, live and work in the region.
The Dumfrieshire MSP is also calling for the re-opening of rural stations.
The submission has been determined by listening to the views of constituents across the region.
Commenting, Ms McAlpine said:
“It is clear that Dumfries and Galloway needs better transport links to boost economic activity and enhance the quality of life for people who live here – and so it is important that we set some long term priorities.
“The three major areas I believe will bring the greatest economic benefit are connecting Dumfries with faster rail links to Glasgow and Edinburgh – connecting the region with faster road links to the motorway and further improvements to the A75 with a view to dualling where viable.
“I have also made the case for the reopening of stations at Beattock, Langholm and Thornhill as these communities have all come to me and made a compelling case.
“It is all very well politicians calling generally for more investment in infrastructure, but in order to make that happen you need to make the case for specified local projects to be included in the national strategy. That’s how the process works across Scotland. I hope other local stakeholders have contributed to the national strategy in a meaningful way – that’s how we will make progress. “
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