Keith Brown has announced a £1.7m contract be awarded to RJ McLeod, which will see work start on a new motorway interchange.

The award, part of the £2.8m slip roads scheme for the M876 at Glenbervie, will support jobs and act as a catalyst for economic growth in Central Scotland.

Mr Brown said: "I’m delighted to announce another significant sum invested which will help support local jobs and deliver a major road improvement for users in Central Scotland.

"We expect this scheme, which will see the upgrading of the junction between the A9 and the M876 to a four-way interchange to improve accessibility to the M80 and M9 motorways, the Clackmannanshire Bridge, and the Larbert area, whilst easing congestion for drivers.

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"As a government we are absolutely committed to developing our road infrastructure to help support economic growth and this contract builds on a portfolio of investment on our transport infrastructure to ensure it is fit for purpose."

Cllr Craig Martin, Leader of Falkirk Council said: "This project will improve our transport infrastructure and increase economic development opportunities across the area.

"It will also bring associated environmental and road safety improvements an improve access to the local towns such as Stenhousemuir and Larbert and the adjacent development site at Glenbervie."

Scottish Enterprise Director of Infrastructure, Allan McQuade, added: "An efficient transport network is valuable to boosting Scotland's economy and this improved transport infrastructure will help enhance central Scotland as a globally competitive business environment and allow key sectors operating in the area to flourish."

The scheme is expected to begin construction on 5th March 2012, with completion by the end of August 2012.

(GK)