A Transport Scotland upgrade programme on the existing M74 will see traffic flows and safety improved through the first ever use of interactive electronic queue monitoring equipment.

The £1 million scheme to reconstruct a section of this vital motorway close to Hamilton and Bothwell gets underway in mid November 2009 and is expected to last two weeks.

Amey, who are managing the scheme on Transport Scotland’s behalf, will use technology to monitor queues and relay messages to a variable message sign (VMS) sited about half a mile from the start of the works.

The sign will display warning messages such as 'Caution, queuing traffic ahead' to approaching drivers in a bid to reduce the number of rear end collisions.

The signs can help traffic flows by giving up-to-the-minute information about delays and details from the equipment will be relayed to Traffic Scotland as an addition to the journey planning information they already provide.

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Alex Joannides, Transport Scotland’s Project Manager, said: "This continuing investment in the existing M74 will help maintain this vital section of motorway for years to come.

"Through this equipment we are giving drivers advance information about queuing traffic ahead in a bid to reduce the risk of accidents, particularly those from rear-end collisions. This also enhances our ability to improve overall journey time reliability as drivers are kept aware of information through Traffic Scotland, radio and the VMS."

Colin Mackenzie, Unit Manager for Amey, said: "As with any roads project of this nature, delays are inevitable therefore we ask drivers to carefully plan their journeys, seeking out alternative means of transport where available.

"Further information will be available to drivers via Twitter on a daily basis. This section of the M74 is particularly busy with HGV traffic using Bothwell Services. We have liaised closely with the services when designing the works."

The project involves digging out and reconstructing the carriageway to foundation levels to replace worn sections of the road ensuring it remains in good condition for years to come.

For the safety or road users and road workers alike there will be a contraflow, speed limit reductions lane and slip road closures.

(GK/KMcA)