Procurement begins this month on both the A75 Dunragit Bypass and the A77 Symington to Bogend Toll schemes.

The first tender notice for the A77 Symington and Bogend Toll Improvements was published today, with an estimate the project will cost up to £16m.

The Dunragit bypass is also due out shortly and will involve construction of a new 5.3km stretch of the A75 to the east of Stranraer in Dumfries and Galloway. This job also comes with a £16m price tag.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “Scotland’s towns and cities require a high quality transport system to ensure economic prosperity and that is why we are committed to investing in major upgrades of key lifeline routes.

“Through these vital schemes for Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway we will enhance safety and journey time reliability. By enhancing connectivity with the new Loch Ryan Ferry Port, we are making Scotland an even more attractive option for business and leisure.”

In Ayrshire, the vital upgrades to the busy A77 will be progressed to target accident reduction.

Removing the gaps in the central reservation and introducing grade separated junctions at Symington and Bogend Toll will address safety concerns.

The tender process is expected to be completed by Spring 2013 and it is anticipated work can start on both sites soon after. Both schemes are expected to be completed in 2014.

More information about the A77 can be found on the Public Contracts Scotland portal.