The multi-million pound project to upgrade an 11 mile (18 km) stretch of the A80 between Stepps and Haggs has taken a significant step forward with confirmation of Transport Scotland's preferred bidder for the scheme, Highway Management (Scotland) Ltd,

Highway Management (Scotland), on final award of the contract, will be tasked with delivering and maintaining for 30 years: 8km of new dual two-lane motorway and hard shoulders between Stepps and Mollinsburn, 2.7km of the existing A80 road upgraded to dual three-lane motorway between Mollinsburn and Auchenkilns and 7.3km of the existing A80 upgraded to dual two-lane motorway between Auchenkilns to Haggs with hard shoulders and climbing lanes.

This scheme will bring benefits to drivers by improving road safety while alleviating congestion and delays, particularly during peak hours, as well as improving journey times. The road will also provide local communities with better accessibility and environmental benefits.

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Ainslie McLaughlin, Transport Scotland's Director of Major Transport Infrastructure Projects said: "The A80 is an essential part of the trunk road network in central Scotland and one of the most heavily used. This project will complete the missing gap between Stirling and Glasgow.

"Two major consortia bid for the scheme as a public-private partnership contract and following the submission of tenders, Highway Management (Scotland) Ltd has been selected as the preferred bidder.

"Transport Scotland and Highway Management (Scotland) Ltd will finalise contract details and finance over the coming weeks. We expect to conclude the award of the contract and commence construction during the summer for the road to be opened in 2011. The final cost for the scheme won't be known until negotiations have been concluded."

The proposed scheme should not cause significant traffic congestion during the construction period, relative to the current congestion on the A80. The successful contractor will be required to produce and implement traffic management measures to minimise the risk of disruption to drivers on the A80 and local roads.

(GK/JM)