Transport Scotland's multi-million pound investment in key Lanarkshire routes will continue this Autumn with a £580k bridges scheme on the M73.

The work, which follows a £450k scheme recently completed near Raith, brings the total investment in the area to just over £1m so far this year. A further £4m will be spent when the M74 Gleck & Bog scheme, announced earlier this year, gets underway in early October.

The M73 project, designed and managed by operating company Amey on Transport Scotland's behalf, involves improvements to two overbridges near Gartcosh. Work is due to start mid October and is expected to last for approximately five weeks.

During this time contractors will carry out essential maintenance such as painting, enlarging access hatches to ease future inspections, replacing parapets and various concrete repairs.

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This busy section of the M73 carries around 36,000 vehicles daily and is close to Gartcosh village. To ease congestion and avoid busy commuter periods, the majority of the work will take place during both daytime and overnight off peak periods.

The works have been programmed in three phases, concentrating on both bridges simultaneously to reduce the need for prolonged traffic management arrangements.

A contraflow will operate throughout during the first two phases of works with some slip roads closed during off peak periods.

Graham Edmond, Transport Scotland's National Network Manager, said: "Our continued investment in the M73 and M74 is a clear indication of their importance as key commuter routes in Lanarkshire and beyond.

"Like most works, we expect both these projects to cause a degree of disruption. However, through careful planning and, in some instances, off-peak working we are able to ensure this is kept to a minimum."

Colin Mackenzie, unit manager for Amey is south west Scotland said: "We have worked hard, liaising with the police and local authority, to plan the most effective traffic management layout to both keep traffic moving and allow the contractor to work quickly and safely.

"Two lanes will remain open each way through peak periods, reducing to one lane each way off peak. We appeal to road users to be alert for changing traffic layouts and slip road closures and to look out for signs directing them safely through the area."

(GK/JM)