The second phase of the multi-million pound upgrade of the A74(M)/M74 between Junction 22 (Gretna) and Junction 12 (Millbank) has been confirmed.

The £40m programme of works will get underway on 23 February.

The project aims to refurbish and extend the life span of the road, which is over 20 years old in places.

A spokesperson for TS and Autolink said: "Following the first phase of a programme of improvements, which commenced on 30 June 2012 and was completed in November 2012, we are now ready to get the second phase underway next month.

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"This busy motorway carries over 30,000 vehicles a day and is the main route between the Border and the central belt.

"This project is being delivered in several phases over the next five years and, on completion, will deliver over 80 miles of new road surface – equivalent to 200 football fields.

"We are working closely with local communities to ensure they are kept abreast of these works as they are delivered. Our aim is to minimise disruption but traffic management is essential for the safety of road workers and road users alike.

"We urge drivers to plan their journeys in advance using all the available information such as Traffic Scotland website and radio bulletins."

Traffic will be limited to 40mph while the works are being carried out, in order to ensure the safety of the workforce and motorists.

Transport Scotland says motorists should allow extra time for their journeys or consider using an alternative route.

(IT)