People living in several North Lanarkshire communities will no longer be blighted by the daily traffic congestion they have endured on their doorsteps for many years.

Early delivery of the Moodiesburn Bypass, a key section of the M80 Stepps to Haggs project, will reduce traffic through the villages of Moodiesburn, Chryston and Muirhead by 70 per cent.

The early opening of this section also demonstrates the Scottish Government’s commitment to investing in Scotland’s transport infrastructure in supporting sustainable economic growth.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "People living along this section of the existing A80 have for many years had to put up with thousands of vehicles passing their front doors and causing major traffic congestion on the main road that runs through the heart of their communities.

"With the opening of this new bypass they can now look forward to 45,000 fewer vehicles a day passing through their community, bringing with it a safer and healthier environment.

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"I want to thank motorists who use the A80 Stepps to Haggs for their patience and assure them that the contractor is taking all steps to keep any delays to a minimum as the work progresses. However the first priority must be to maintain a safe environment for both road users and road workers and that is why the 40 mph limit will need to remain on the new section until the Summer."

Norrie Mills, Chairman of Moodiesburn Community Council said: "I am absolutely delighted about the opening of this section of the M80 which bypasses Moodiesburn.

"This has been long overdue as the traffic congestion around Moodiesburn is always dreadful. We’ve waited a long time for this and are delighted the wait is at last coming to an end.

"Local people will feel safer crossing the road and the community will be brought closer together now that traffic will be diverted elsewhere."

A 5 mile northbound stretch of the new road opened today with the southbound stretch of the road opening on Sunday 13 February.

The new section will remove around 45,000 vehicles a day from the existing A80 between Mollinsburn and Stepps, helping communities in Moodiesburn, Chryston and Muirhead by reducing emissions and improving their quality of life. While the works are sufficiently complete to allow this benefit to be provided at the earliest opportunity, finishing works mean 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.

The average speed cameras used over the length of the scheme will now also cover the length of the new bypass. They will 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)