This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Work begins on A8 upgrading
13/08/2002
Work has now begun to upgrade 8.5 kilometers of the A8 from Baillieston to Newhouse, part of the main Glasgow-Edinburgh road connection.
The £23 million contract is expected to be completed by January 2004.
Deputy Transport Minister Lewis Macdonald said:
"We are investing record amounts in improving and maintaining trunk roads. £23 million has been committed to these works which are essential to ensure the heavily trafficked A8 continues to operate successfully.
"The A8/M8 link between Edinburgh and Glasgow is mainly motorway however, between Baillieston and Newhouse it is a dual-carriageway. The works on the dual-carriageway section will provide the addition of hard-shoulders in each direction as well as total refurbishment of the existing lanes.
"Other improvements at junctions and to sliproads will enhance the safety and operation of the route. These improvements will not, however, compromise any future upgrading to motorway standard.
"An information leaflet, published to coincide with the start of the main works on the A8, has been widely distributed. The leaflet gives details of the works starting today and provides advice on available sources of up-to-date information for the traveller."
While the works are being carried out, the Contractor will ensure that two lanes, in each direction, are kept open to traffic, during peak periods. It is planned that further necessary restrictions will be kept to an absolute minimum. Travellers will be informed via the National Driver Information and Control System (NADICS) on the web, notices in the local press, radio broadcast, AA Roadwatch and Variable Message Signs both on the route and on interlinking roads.
The contract for the Baillieston-Newhouse upgrade has been awarded to Balfour Beatty Construction Ltd. Work began on Monday, August 12.
The full text of the information leaflet can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/transport/a8tr-00.asp