The new Mollinsburn Overbridge which will form the bridge over the M73 linking Mollinsburn with Gartferry Road has now been completed.

The intricate operation to lift the four huge beams, weighing a total of 270 tonnes, has been carried out over the last two weekends.

Ainslie McLaughlin, Transport Scotland's Director of Major Trunk Road Infrastructure Projects said: "When completed the £320 million M80 Stepps to Haggs Completion project will bring improved journey times, reliability and safety for people using this busy route.

"It will cut journey times during peak periods, by 30 to 40 percent, saving motorists up to 15 minutes each way and bring substantial relief from the long-term traffic congestion currently endured by the communities living along the existing A80.

-- Advertisement --

"I congratulate the contractor on the successful operation to complete this significant milestone in the project which was carried out with minimum traffic disruption, on a road which carries 76,000 vehicles a day."

Hugh O'Connor, HMG General Manager commented: "We are very pleased to have completed this important aspect of the works. The construction of the landmark Mollinsburn Interchange is now well underway with the piers and abutments completed to form the sub structure of the Mollinsburn Overbridge and over 100 metres of steel beams constituting 270 tons of steel now placed on the sub structure by a 1200 ton Mobile Crane - one of the largest in Europe brought in specifically to facilitate these works.

"We have undertaken extensive consultation on complex traffic management arrangements to facilitate the construction works and to keep over 76,000 vehicles moving on the A80 on a daily basis. We appreciate that at times this causes some additional delays for the travelling public, which we strive to keep to a minimum, however our first priority must be to maintain a safe environment for our workers and the road users."

(GK/BMcC)