Local constituency MSP Finlay Carson is seeking urgent talks with the Transport Secretary over the A75 closure saga.
The Galloway and West Dumfries has written to Fiona Hyslop requesting a meeting to discuss the ongoing situation.
He said: “I have asked the Transport Secretary to meet with me quickly to discuss this matter especially as the full overnight closures plan to last more than a month.
“The closures have already resulted in lengthy diversions, at times via roads that are totally unsuitable.”
The Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP added that he absolutely accepted that these road maintenance schemes are vital.
However he admitted: “Questions need to be asked about the capacity within AMEY to carry these works out over a shorter timescale and with equipment which doesn’t necessitate full closure.
“I believe closures could be avoided by aligning schemes for example.”
In his letter to the Cabinet Secretary, the MSP said: “I would welcome a response as soon as possible given the work programme ahead and the inevitable impact these decisions are having on the vital ports at Cairnryan.”
Motorists, hauliers and residents have already shared their frustrations over a 96-mile diversion put in place for overnight closures on the key transport artery in southern Scotland.
Improvement works on the A75 mean a stretch of the road will be closed between 8pm and 6am this week, with more work planned later in the month.
AMEY – the road maintenance firm – has insisted the diversion could take up to two-and-a-half hours but it had done everything possible to minimise disruption.
Work began last week at Mossyard and will continue its next phase at Auchenlarie.
It means journeys between Newton Stewart and Castle Douglas – that normally take around 40 minutes – could now last more than four times longer.
The disruption has caused serious problems for HGVs travelling to the ports at Cairnryan especially on the first night of the closures when no diversion signs were in place to advise drivers.
AMEY – who maintain the route on behalf of Transport Scotland – insist the work is needed due to the condition of the carriageway.
Dates of the work had been decided during consultations with residents and businesses. Work will be suspended during the mid-term break for schools.
The company confirmed it had been involved in “extensive discussions” with ferry operators, emergency services and the haulage industry.
AMEY say by working off-peak and overnight it had made every attempt to reduce disruption.
