New Road Orders enabling improvements to the M74 Raith Junction and the widening of key sections of the M8, M73 and M74 were published today.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "The publication of the Road Orders for the Raith and M8, M73, M74 Network Improvements schemes is a major step forward in completing the Central Scotland motorway network. As the Finance Secretary announced in his draft budget statement these improvements will be combined with the M8 Baillieston to Newhouse Scheme which was recently given the go ahead.

"It has long been recognised that improvements to Raith Junction and to the M73 and M74 along with the upgrade to motorway status of the A8 Baillieston to Newhouse would deliver many benefits to motorists using the central Scotland motorway network, including reduced journey times, improved road safety and better access to businesses and communities.

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"By procuring these three schemes together as part of a new funding pipeline under the Non Profit Distributing (NPD) model, we intend to provide best value for the public purse and reduce overall disruption during construction."

He continued: "Subject to completing the necessary statutory process, it is hoped to start procurement of the combined improvements scheme in 2011-12. However, the M8 Baillieston to Newhouse Orders need to be approved by Parliament and assuming that is given, we would then need to review the combined improvements scheme before issuing a definitive timetable."

"Along with the M74 Completion scheme and the M80 Stepps to Haggs, which are both programmed to be completed this year, this combined improvements scheme will complete the Central Scotland motorway network," he concluded.