The UK Government has indicated it plans to bankroll upgrades to the A75 – despite transport being a Holyrood matter.
Michael Gove, UK Housing and Communities Minister, is expected to signal the go-ahead to improvements within the next few weeks.
The News understands Mr Gove will announce the plan immediately after the publication of Sir Peter Hendy’s union connectivity review.
The move is likely to prove controversial as it bypasses the Scottish Government in directly funding transport projects north of the border.
Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson welcomed the news – and accused Holyrood ministers of failing the south-west.
He said: “I dare say that such a move will no doubt anger the Scottish Government given that roads are a devolved issue.
“But it has now got to a point where people are running out of patience.
“They want the work done and really don’t care who picks up the bill.