The Scottish Government has decided to proceed with the completion of the M8 between Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth John Swinney yesterday gave the go ahead for the upgrade to motorway status of the A8 Baillieston to Newhouse stretch after considering the findings and recommendations of the public local inquiry.

The upgrade will complete the motorway between Edinburgh and Glasgow and bring benefits for businesses, motorists and the environment.

As the Finance Secretary made clear in his recent draft budget statement it is intended to procure the M8 Baillieston to Newhouse upgrade together with improvements to the M74 Raith Interchange and M8/M73/M74 Network Improvements as part of a new funding pipeline under the NPD model.

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Finance Secretary John Swinney said: “The M8 is a key section of Scotland’s strategic road network, linking Scotland’s two biggest cities and connecting businesses and communities. Having given careful consideration to the issues and arguments, I agree with the Reporter’s findings and reasoning, and with his recommendation to proceed with the long awaited upgrade to motorway status of the A8 stretch between Baillieston and Newhouse.

“Along with the M74 Completion scheme and the M80 Stepps to Haggs, which are both programmed to be completed next year, this upgrade will complete the Scottish motorway network."

He added: “By procuring this scheme together with the improvements to the M74 Raith Interchange and the M74 Raith Interchange and M8/M73/M74 Network Improvements as part of a new funding pipeline under the NPD model, we intend to provide best value for the public purse and reduce overall disruption during construction.

"Subject to completing the necessary statutory process, it is hoped to start procurement in 2011-12. However, the Orders need to be approved by Parliament and assuming that is given, we would then need to review the combined scheme before issuing a definitive timetable.”

(GK)