Roadworks resuming today could cause delays for those travelling on the A76.

Scotland TranServ have resumed an essential maintenance project on the A76 at Mennock, south of Sanquhar.

A convoy system will be in operation on the stretch of road affected from 7am-7pm between Wednesday, June 3 and Saturday, June 13.

Drivers requiring to use the A76 for essential journeys are advised to allow some extra time to pass through the convoy. Special arrangements have been put in place for emergency service vehicles

Resurfacing of the 2.7km section was temporarily paused as part of COVID-19 guidance from the Scottish Government, but resumed today with strict physical distancing measures in place for workers.

Alan Murray, Scotland TranServ’s Principal Road Design Engineer said: “Resurfacing of the A76 south of Mennock had already begun when we took the decision to temporarily postpone the programme as part of our strict social distancing protocols. The health and safety of our workers and the travelling public is of paramount importance to Scotland TranServ.

“Many new working practices have been implemented across our own workforce and those of our contractors and suppliers as we work towards the ‘new norm’ in the delivery of our Structural Maintenance and other programmes. Thorough risk assessments have been carried out as we take a lead in the delivery of trunk road maintenance.

“This 2.7 kilometre stretch of trunk road is an important route connecting Kilmarnock with Dumfries, and as such is used by emergency services, freight, retail and delivery traffic as part of their essential working. It is important that we continue resurfacing works in order to maintain road safety. Traffic volumes currently remain low, in line with government advice. We would like to take this opportunity to thank drivers for making only essential journeys over the last couple of months, and for continuing to protect the country’s key workers.”

Evan Ferguson, Scotland TranServ’s Design Manager added: “An efficient and well-managed trunk road network is particularly important to supporting essential supply chains and the wider economy across South West Scotland at this time. Working in collaboration with Transport Scotland, we have identified a number of essential maintenance projects, which are being prioritised over the coming weeks. 

“We fully recognise the importance of a safe and reliable trunk road network and where possible, Scotland TranServ is supporting Transport Scotland as they expect to invest £471million in maintenance in 2020/21. The health and safety of our workers and those working on our behalf, is of the utmost importance, and projects will only be taken forward where we can ensure their safety as a priority.”