A further two milestones have been reached on the M80 Stepps to Haggs upgrade project, including the opening of a footbridge which will allow pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders to cross over the new road safely.

Last week the new Lindsaybeg Road Overbridge, which carries Lindsaybeg Road (B816) over the new M80 motorway opened to traffic and this week the new Strathkelvin Footbridge will open.

Michelle Rennie, Transport Scotland's Project Manager for the M80 Stepps to Haggs project, said: "While the work has been going on to build the footbridge at Strathkelvin, we have worked with the contractor to maintain access across the site.

"We recognise the importance of maintaining access for the public when the new motorway opens and this new footbridge will provide safe passage for members of the public, whether on foot, cycling or riding a horse.

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"The contractor is to be congratulated on the completion of both the Strathkelvin Footbridge and the Lindsaybeg Road Overbridge."

Roger Whiston, HMC Project Director, said: "The new concrete bridge at Lindsaybeg Road was completed in August 2010 and the earth embankments and roadworks on the approaches were completed last week which allowed us to open the new road to traffic.

"Finishing works to complete the tie-in between the new road and the existing road will continue, using temporary traffic lights to control traffic.

"The Strathkelvin Footbridge is another significant element of the project and although we were able to maintain pedestrian and cycle access across the site while it was being built, I am pleased that we are now able to open this permanent route. For both bridges, I would congratulate the design and construction teams for all their hard work and commitment."

The existing A80 forms part of the national strategic road network, connecting the M80 from Glasgow and the M73 from the south to Stirling and the north and the M876 to the Kincardine Bridge and Fife. The A80 between Stepps and Haggs is the only non-motorway section between Glasgow and the north end of the M9 at Dunblane.

When it is completed next year, the M80 Stepps to Haggs project will complete the motorway network between Stirling and Glasgow and will promote economic growth, protect the environment and improve safety of journeys.

(GK)