Sanquhar's A76 Road Reopens After Six-Week Closure, Traders Hope for Return of Customers

Sanquhar's A76 road reopens after six weeks of closure for Tolbooth Museum repairs. Traders report significant losses and hope customers return. A 50-mile diversion caused challenges, but local access was maintained. Scottish Water also works to fix a sinkhole on Annan Road.

Road Closure and Impact on Traders

Charles Brown operates the newsagent near the Tolbooth Museum in Sanquhar, a town in the south of Scotland. Local traders have expressed hopes that their customers will return following the reopening of the A76 road, which has been closed for six weeks. The closure included a 50-mile (80km) diversion and was implemented to facilitate work on the historic Tolbooth Museum.

The A76 through Sanquhar has been closed since 1 June to allow for essential conservation work on the museum's stonework. The road narrows adjacent to the Tolbooth, and Dumfries and Galloway Council (DGC) stated that a full closure was necessary to ensure safety during the works.

A picture of road works in Sanquhar with scaffolding out on the roadway next to the historic Tolbooth Museum on the left. There is a road closed sign and traffic lights and a man in orange overalls on the phone and another in a high-visibility jacket and hard hat talking to a member of the public — Image caption, The A76 narrows next to the Tolbooth which the council said meant a full closure was necessary for some of the work

Charles Brown reported a significant loss of business during the closure, attributing it primarily to parking restrictions imposed on the high street. He said,

"I've lost a lot of trade - especially first thing in the morning because of the no parking restrictions on the high street."

"I'm down at least 20% overall."

"Hopefully, once it's all over the customers will return but, after going elsewhere for six weeks, they might not."

Brown also expressed concerns about potential further disruptions later in the summer due to planned installation of a power cable in the area, adding,

"I sometimes wonder whether it's all worth it."

The main road through Sanquhar clogged up with traffic, we can see cars in the foreground and a lorry with a large, round, wooden cog on the back in the background. The vehicles appear to be at a standstill. — Image caption, Some HGVs ended up in the town despite a diversion being put in place

Traffic Management and Diversions

During the closure, local access was maintained; however, an official diversion route was established for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Southbound traffic was diverted off the A76 at Cumnock onto the A70, then via the B7078 and A702 to Thornhill, with the reverse for northbound vehicles. This diversion was approximately 50 miles long and designed to accommodate HGVs safely.

A map showing the diversion route around Sanquhar, off the A76 at Cumnock and back on near Carronbridge — Image caption, Local access has been maintained but the diversion for lorries is a lengthy one

Despite these measures, some HGVs still entered the town, causing difficulties for local businesses and residents. Traders described the situation as "absolute chaos," with reduced takings and challenges related to lorries not following the designated alternative routes.

Two lorries in a row with large wooden wheels on the back of them. There are two men in orange work clothes talking to others who might be the drivers. — Image caption, The 50-mile diversion is meant to take HGVs away from the town

Council Statement and Project Progress

Dumfries and Galloway Council confirmed that the conservation work on the Tolbooth Museum was nearing completion. The council expressed gratitude to residents, businesses, and road users for their patience during the essential works aimed at protecting and preserving the historic building.

The council stated that all traffic restrictions would be lifted by 18:00 on Friday, with the A76 fully reopening as scheduled. Contractors would finalize the removal of scaffolding and complete site clearance ahead of the reopening.

Additional Regional Travel Update

Separately, Scottish Water has been addressing a sinkhole on the Annan Road in Dumfries since 28 May. The sinkhole had caused travel disruptions in the region.

A statement from Scottish Water indicated progress in repairing the damaged sewer section. The team was constructing a new manhole and preparing to backfill the excavation and reinstate the road. Depending on progress and ground conditions, the road was expected to reopen by the end of the week.