Drivers cause "chaos" by using "wholly inappropriate" route during Dumfries and Galloway road closure

Motorists headed along the C1n Old Military Road through the village of Milton rather than the official diversion on the A711

Drivers caused “chaos” by using a “wholly inappropriate” road while the A75 was closed.

Motorists headed along the C1n Old Military Road through the village of Milton over the weekend while Amey resurfaced the Euroroute at Crocketford.

The official diversion route had advised drivers to use the A711 between Dumfries and Dalbeattie.

Instead, many motorists – including HGV drivers destined for the ferry at Cairnryan – headed for Lochfoot and took the C1n Old Military Road through Milton before rejoining the A75 at Haugh of Urr.

That created gridlock and raised road safety issues for local residents, who described the situation as “chaos” and “utterly ridiculous” on social media.

One said: “It was horrific today, loads of lorries and caravans on the Milton road then a wagon tried to turn at the Haugh junction to go back to Castle Douglas!”

Another said: “I wouldn’t mind if people respected the 30mph speed limit in the Haugh/Hardgate but they’re clearly not.

“Also, it’s a maximum of 30mph depending on road conditions and the road conditions right now are far too busy.

“I’ve said to the kids they’re not getting out to play all weekend because of this, I actually fear someone will get hurt.”

Amey, carrying out the work on behalf of Transport Scotland, closed the road all weekend as well as Thursday, Monday and Tuesday nights.

Their advertised detour told motorists heading west to leave the A75 at DGRI on the outskirts of Dumfries, follow the A711 to Dalbeattie then take the B794 to Haugh of Urr before rejoining the A75.

However, the News understands road closed signs weren’t in place until the roundabout at the top of The Glen – meaning drivers could opt for the C1n.

Castle Douglas and Crocketford Councillor Pauline Drysdale said: “Over the weekend I received a number of calls and Facebook messages from distressed residents residing on the C1n Old Military Road due to the volume of traffic, particularly HGVs, utilising it whilst Amey carried out road improvement works at Crocketford.

“Whilst I had assurances from Amey, via the council, on Friday that appropriate signage had been implemented, many drivers continued to take the shortest sat nav route which is wholly inappropriate.

“I have mailed Amey and the council requesting that they look at alternative measures to include permanent ‘No HGV’ signage on the C1n and possible weight restrictions going forward.

“I have also asked for suitable diversions signs to be at the hospital roundabout – most seemed to be at the Lochfoot roundabout, which is unsuitable.”

Amey was contacted for comment.

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