Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment Alex Neil has hailed the benefits that the new £320m pound M80 Stepps to Haggs scheme road would bring to businesses and the wider Scottish economy when the road is free from northbound speed restrictions tomorrow.

This route forms an essential part of the trunk road network in central Scotland and is one of the most heavily used. The upgrade to motorway status will improve the link between north and central Scotland and the wider motorway network, bringing real benefits for businesses.

As well as removing the speed restriction northbound, southbound traffic will also have the 40 mph speed limit increased to 70 mph with the exception of the section between Junction 5 (Auchenkilns) and Junction 4 (Mollinsburn). The 40 mph speed restriction will remain here for a short period to allow works to be completed in the area around the M80/M73 junction.

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Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment Alex Neil said: “This is a significant step in the upgrade of Scotland’s transport infrastructure. Completing the motorway network between Glasgow and Stirling, will bring real benefits to the communities and businesses across the central belt and to the rest of Scotland with its links to the M74 and the wider road network. Once complete drivers using the new route will see a 30/40 per cent reduction in peak journey times.

“Drivers are already benefiting from the opening of the M74 Completion last month. When the final section of the M80 resumes national speed limit and is completed in a few weeks time, on time and on budget, it will once again provide evidence of the Scottish Government’s commitment to deliver major infrastructure projects and to work with contractors to ensure best value for the public purse.”

Hugh O'Connor, General Manager HMG, added: "I am delighted and very proud that the M80 has attained such an important stage and will make such a positive impact on Scotland's transport infrastructure. This could not have been possible without the genuine commitment by all parties to a partnering approach on the project which has resulted in such a high quality project."

(GK)