£3.75m is to be invested on the A379 Shieldhall Overpass in Glasgow to extend its lifespan.

One of the city's most important roads will be refurbished following funding approval by Glasgow City Council’s Executive Committee.

The works are expected to start on the overpass in early 2013.

Temporary weight restrictions will also be used to enable an assessment of the bridge's strength.

A weight restriction will be imposed to limit the maximum permitted gross weight of vehicles using the overpass to 7.5 tonnes.

Traffic above that weight will be provided with alternative routes.

Glasgow Council says the vast majority of vehicles currently using the overpass will remain unaffected by the restriction.

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Emergency and winter gritting vehicles will be exempt.

The work will be carried out without having to close any of the lanes.

Brian Devlin, Executive Director of Land & Environmental Services, Glasgow City Council, said: "This £3.75m investment is great news for the people and businesses of Glasgow. By carrying out this planned maintenance work, we are proactively extending the use of the overpass and maintain this important transport link to the Clyde Tunnel, the new South Glasgow Hospital and the M8 motorway.

"We are now also looking to have a meaningful discussion with Transport Scotland given the increasing demand on the road network. The council carries out a scheduled programme of bridge strength assessments to target resources efficiently and ensure our roads network continues to play a vital role in supporting Scotland's economy.

"Glasgow has improved its standing across the national picture by concentrating on identifying damaged roads and treating them at an early stage. As a result, Glasgow's road network is now rated as seventh best in terms of performance among local authorities in Scotland."

(IT)