This page provides information about the temporary closure of the A76 at Sanquhar Tolbooth Museum, which is required to allow essential conservation works to a nationally important, Grade A Listed building.
The works are necessary to protect the long-term stability of the Tolbooth and ensure public safety. Without timely intervention, deterioration of the building’s stonework would continue and could present increasing risks due to its immediate proximity to the road.
A76(T) is a Trunk Road and it is being closed with the permission of Transport Scotland after application from Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Why is the A76 being closed in Sanquhar?
The A76 runs immediately alongside the Grade A Listed Sanquhar Tolbooth Museum, the most historically and architecturally significant building in the town.
Specialist inspection has confirmed that the north elevation of the Tolbooth is in poor condition, due to inappropriate historic repairs, unsuitable cement-based materials, traffic-related erosion and difficulty accessing the structure safely. The required conservation works include:
- removal of inappropriate cement mortar
- replacement of damaged stones
- repointing using traditional lime mortar
- application of a protective lime harling finish
Dumfries and Galloway Council has a statutory duty and moral responsibility to preserve this Grade A Listed structure. These works are essential to safeguard the building’s long-term condition and protect members of the public.
Because lime-based materials require carefully controlled curing conditions, a fully enclosed scaffold is required for the duration of the repairs. Once this scaffold is in place, there is insufficient road width to safely accommodate traffic, meaning a full road closure is unavoidable from 1 June 2026.
Sanquhar Tolbooth Museum will remain open throughout the works, with opening hours unaffected.
When will the works take place?
Works will begin on Monday 18 May 2026 and will be completed by Friday 10 July 2026, with all restrictions lifted by 6.30pm.
The programme has been carefully planned to finish well in advance of Sanquhar Civic Day and the Riding of the Marches (15 August 2026) and to avoid conflict with anticipated Commonwealth Games traffic, beginning on 23 July 2026.
Will the A76 trunk road be closed for the full duration?
No. Traffic management will be introduced in two phases:
- Weeks 1–2: Temporary traffic lights in place
- From 1 June 2026: Full closure of the A76 at the Tolbooth for six weeks
Temporary traffic lights cannot be used for the full period due to the scale of the scaffold and the need to maintain a safe working environment for both road users and construction staff.
Have alternative options been considered?
Yes. The project team explored several approaches to minimise disruption, including:
- off‑peak or partial closures
- alternative materials and products
- different access and working‑at‑height methods
The chosen approach provides a balance of the safest working environment, the best long‑term outcome for the building and has been agreed with Amey Highways and Transport Scotland.
Why can’t temporary traffic lights be used for the full period?
From 1 June, the nature of the conservation works and the fully enclosed scaffold required mean that a full road closure is necessary. This ensures the safety of road users, workers and the public, and allows the works to be completed effectively within a fixed and non‑extendable closure period.
What is the likelihood of the project running late and the road closure being extended?
The road closure will not be extended. Transport Scotland and Amey Highways have set a fixed closure period that is non‑negotiable.
The project has been carefully designed to maximise time certainty and minimise the risk of delay. Key measures include:
- a fully covered scaffold to maintain stable curing conditions for lime materials
- early engagement with the principal contractor and specialist subcontractors
- pre‑ordering of required materials to avoid supply delays
- a seven‑day working schedule to accelerate progress
These steps ensure the highest possible confidence that the works will be completed within the agreed timeframe.
What is the signed diversion route for through traffic?
The signed diversion route is intended for non‑local through traffic and has been designed to avoid unsuitable minor roads while directing higher volumes of traffic onto roads capable of accommodating them safely.
Local residents are not expected to use this route for everyday access.
Diversion route:
- A76 → A70 → B7078 → A702 → A76 (reversed direction)
This approach allows non-local traffic to be safely managed while the A76 is fully closed at the Tolbooth.
What are the approved local access routes?
During the full road closure, these routes are for essential local access only.
Local access has a 7.5t weight limit with emergency vehicle and service bus exemptions:
Two-way local access at the Tolbooth
- A76 → South Lochan → Queen’s Road → McKendrick Road → A76 and vice-versa
Alternate Southbound route
Advisory Southbound Diversion with 7.5t weight limit to avoid queuing traffic:
- A76 → C128 Blackaddie Road → C125n (Ulzieside) → Eliock Bridge → A76
These are rural roads and drivers should proceed with care at all times. Through traffic will be directed onto the signed long-distance diversion.
Emergency service vehicles are not restricted by diversion routes and will continue to use the most appropriate access route as required.
What about pedestrian access?
The pavements used by members of the public will remain open. There will be no change to access along the closure or diversion routes, including at the Nithsdale Hotel.
What will happen to bus services during the road closure?
The council is working closely with local bus operators and school transport providers to plan services during the A76 closure.
Where possible, bus and school transport services will:
- avoid unsuitable minor roads
- use approved diversion routes appropriate for larger vehicles
Some services may operate amended routes, temporary alternative stopping points or slightly adjusted timetables, particularly during peak periods and school start and finish times.
Arrangements are being made to ensure school transport and pupils sitting exams can continue to travel safely throughout the works.
Passengers are advised to check directly with operators for the latest information and allow extra time for journeys.
What about waste collection and other essential services?
The council is working with waste collection teams and emergency services to ensure essential services continue, with temporary adjustments put in place where required. Signage will also confirm that local businesses remain open throughout the works.
Has the condition of minor roads been considered?
Yes. The council recognises that some local routes are narrow and rural in nature. For this reason, local access routes are not suitable for HGVs, and the signed diversion route is intended to keep larger and non‑local vehicles away from minor roads.
Can I still park on Queen’s Road or South Lochan?
No. Parking will be suspended on South Lochan and Queen’s Road for the duration of the works to maintain safe access and traffic flow for residents and emergency services.
Queen’s Road Car Park will remain open throughout the works.
Will traffic be controlled on Queen’s Road during the diversion?
Traffic management measures, including temporary controls where required, will be in place to manage vehicle movements safely along diversion routes and to allow residents to access homes and garages. Access arrangements may vary depending on the phase of works and traffic conditions on the day.
Will I still be able to access my home and garage?
Yes. Local access will be maintained at all times, although routes will differ from normal and are not suitable for HGVs. Traffic management will be used to allow access to homes and garages where safe to do so, with arrangements managed day‑to‑day as conditions allow.
You will not be prevented from reaching your home or garage, although journey times may be longer.
Has emergency access been considered?
Yes. Emergency access has been a key consideration in planning these works. The council has notified emergency services to minimise the impact on response times. Emergency access will be maintained at all times, with alternative arrangements agreed where required. These arrangements will be monitored during the works period.
Are there alternatives to travelling by road?
Some residents may choose to make use of rail services during the road closure period. Train services through Sanquhar will continue to operate as normal.