The Scottish Government has revealed plans for a maintenance investment boost across the country's trunk roads network.

The maintenance budget is being increased by £34 million to over £199m in 2017/18, allowing for further safety work, inspections and bridge maintenance to be carried out with additional repairs to road surfaces to address potholes and other defects.

Transport Scotland has now started work to draw up a programme for the work to be carried out. Schemes include the resurfacing and waterproofing on the Kincardine Bridge, the refurbishment of spans on the Cromarty Bridge and the cable inspections on the Forth Road Bridge.

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Finance Secretary Derek Mackay recently visited a site at Charing Cross in Glasgow, where work is ongoing to replace barriers on the M8, M80 and M77.

Speaking during his visit, Mr Mackay said: "The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that the trunk road network remains safe and efficient to support our economy.

"This additional investment in trunk road maintenance helps us realise our strategic aims and brings economic benefits.  It supports jobs and will also improve the infrastructure of our public services for years to come.

"The additional funding will allow Transport Scotland to go out and make the repairs that will not only improve conditions for road users. they will also extend the life of our trunk roads. The work that I've seen on the M8 is a good example of the on-going improvements that are carried out every day across the country."

(LM/CD)