M80 Upgrade Completed
Published by Anne Marie Hughes on Sat 09 Jun 12 @ 22:10
The new £320m upgrade of the M80 Stepps to Haggs road scheme has been completed, freeing the road from northbound speed restrictions. It has been hailed as a significant step in the upgrade of Scotland's transport infrastructure.
This route forms an essential part of the trunk road network in central Scotland and is one of the most heavily used. The upgrade to motorway status will improve the link between north and central Scotland and the wider motorway network, bringing real benefits for businesses.
As well as removing the speed restriction northbound, southbound traffic will also have the 40 mph speed limit increased to 70 mph with the exception of the section between Junction 5 (Auchenkilns) and Junction 4 (Mollinsburn). The 40 mph speed restriction will remain here for a short period to allow works to be completed in the area around the M80/M73 junction.
Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment Alex Neil said:
"Drivers are already benefitting from the opening of the M74 Completion last month. When the final section of the M80 resumes national speed limit and is completed in a few weeks time, on time and on budget, it will once again provide evidence of the Scottish Government's commitment to deliver major infrastructure projects and to work with contractors to ensure best value for the public purse."
Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: "This is a fantastic boost for Scotland's infrastructure and will have knock-on benefits for Glasgow and Scotland's busiensses and the economy as a whole.
"It is essential that we continue to work to improve our road and rail connections to ensure that we remain as efficient and well connected as possible."
