Transport Minister Keith Brown today saw at first hand the finishing touches being made ahead of the opening of a key section of the new M80 next week.

The Minister visited the almost 5 mile (8km) section of the new road between Stepps and Mollinsburn and announced that the road will open, initially northbound, on Monday 7 February. The southbound section will then open on Sunday 13 February.

Given ongoing works, temporary traffic restrictions will be in place over the length of the new bypass until Summer 2011. This will include a reduced 40mph speed limit in order to protect both road users and the workforce.

Keith Brown said: “Motorists using the A80 between Stepps and Haggs are sure to have noticed the volume of work going on along the length of the road to upgrade this major arterial route.

“It is testament to the close working relationship between Transport Scotland and the contractor that we are able to open the Moodiesburn Bypass section next Monday well ahead of schedule.

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“Taking traffic onto this new section will mean less traffic through the communities that live along the existing A80.

“When fully completed in the Autumn, the £320 million M80 Stepps to Haggs upgrade 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 between Stepps and Haggs.”

Hugh O’Connor, HMG’s General Manager said: “HMG are delighted to be able to confirm that their construction sub Contractor, HMC ,has made excellent progress in being able to open the new bypass section of the M80 much earlier than expected, despite the coldest winter in 100 years.

“This is truly a landmark event for us and for the travelling public, whom we must thank for their patience and forbearance; those using the bypass will be able to see firsthand the progress that has been made and to travel on a completely new section of road.

“The opening of this new section will also allow us to progress other important road sections, enabling the completion of the complex Mollinsburn Interchange, the key section of the project."

The average speed cameras used over the length of the scheme will now also cover the length of the new bypass. They will significantly improve safety by recording the average speed of vehicles and enforcing a consistent speed of 40 mph.

Non-motorway vehicles travelling southbound will not be allowed to use the new Moodiesburn Bypass and will be directed to use the existing A80.

(GK)