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M74 completion work begins
28/05/2008
Construction work to complete the extension of the M74 in Glasgow started today.
At a groundbreaking ceremony, First Minister Alex Salmond said that completion of the motorway will bring significant economic and social benefits to businesses, communities and industry in the West of Scotland and the country as a whole.
The Scottish Government, Glasgow, Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire Councils are to spend £445 million to complete the M74, due to open in 2011.
The First Minister said:
"Completion of the vital missing link in the M74 will reduce congestion and provide strategic transport links for industry in the West of Scotland. Better access for customers and suppliers will benefit thousands of businesses in the surrounding areas.
"Shorter journey times on local roads will help communities as well as business and will greatly help the preparation and hosting of Glasgow's 2014 Commonwealth Games.
"Regeneration will be a direct result of the completion of the M74, helping to tackle pockets of unemployment through development of prime sites along the Clyde Corridor and areas in Glasgow's east end and south side such as Rutherglen and Cambuslang.
"The Scottish Government's partnership with Glasgow City Council, South Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire Council has enabled the investment in the M74 - a vital piece of infrastructure which will open new routes and new opportunities not only for the West of Scotland but for Scotland as a whole."
Steven Purcell, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said:
"The completion of the M74 is a key infrastructure undertaking for Glasgow and the West of Scotland generally.
"Glasgow has argued for decades that this project is crucial to the future growth of the city.
"With construction underway it will not be too long before we see the associated benefits that completing this stretch of motorway and the East End Regeneration route will bring for city, including economic prosperity, regeneration and the opportunity to bring jobs and homes to some of our most deprived communities."
The project is a partnership between the Scottish Government (Transport Scotland), the principal funder, and Glasgow City, South Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire Councils.
The contractor is Interlink M74 JV, a joint venture comprising Balfour Beatty, Morgan Est, Morrison Construction and Sir Robert McAlpine, four of the UK's major civil engineering contractors.
It is anticipated that the road will open in 2011 costing just under £445 million plus an allowance of approximately £12 million for possible treatment of mine workings along the route.
A freephone helpline will be available 24 hours, seven days a week on 0800 328 1697 for members of the public who have any queries in relation to the works.
Additional comments:
Dr Malcolm Reed, Chief Executive, Transport Scotland:
"The M74 Completion project is one of Scotland's biggest transport infrastructure schemes and represents our commitment to delivering trunk road and rail networks that will play a significant role in growing Scotland's economy in the 21st century. When it is completed, it will improve journey times, cut congestion and open up new opportunities for businesses and inward investment in the West of Scotland and beyond."
Eddie McAvoy, Leader of South Lanarkshire City Council:
"South Lanarkshire Council has supported the M74 Completion Project from the very outset and we are delighted to be part of something that will bring tremendous benefits to so many people. Together with our partners, we recognise the extension is vital for the economic prosperity and regeneration of the area. For South Lanarkshire, this is particularly true in Cambuslang, where it will turn numerous brownfield sites into prime development opportunities. The project will also reduce traffic in town centres, which will in turn reduce accidents, pollution and congestion. The M74 completion project is vital for the whole area and we look forward to working with our partners to make it happen."
Derek Mackay, Leader of Renfrewshire Council:
"This major project will boost the continuing regeneration of Renfrewshire. We're already seeing increased interest in investing here linked to transport improvements. Our business community will see a reduction in transport times and this project will also improve the competitive position of Glasgow Airport. This is good news for Renfrewshire and good news for the regional and national economy."
Bob Wilson, Chairman & Director, Interlink M74 JV:
"The partners of Interlink M74 JV are very pleased to have secured the opportunity to support Transport Scotland, Glasgow City Council and their local authority partners in the delivery of this final and essential element of the Central Scotland road network. We look forward to working closely with the local community and all interested parties to ensure the success of the project."
Richard Cairns, Chief Executive, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce:
"The completion of the M74 is essential to the development of Scotland's road infrastructure network. Once complete, it will reduce the significant congestion on the M8, improve access to Glasgow Airport, cut down on traffic through the City Centre and enhance links to the Clyde Gateway regeneration project and 2014 sites in the East End of Glasgow. This is therefore a project of national importance, creating jobs and attracting investment to the area."
David Watt, Director, IOD Scotland:
"This infrastructure development is one of the top priorities for Scotland. It is desperately needed to improve our transport links for the 21st century. It is welcomed by business groups and companies all over Scotland as it will speed up their supply chain and boost the nation's economy."
John Anderson, Chief Executive, The Entrepreneurial Exchange:
"The completion of the M74 is crucial to ensuring that Scotland continues to recover its reputation as an ambitious economy with an infrastructure that helps the growth of companies of substance and scale."
Iain McMillan, Director, CBI Scotland:
"The M74 completion is a vital addition to Scotland's transport infrastructure. The project will bring with it major economic benefits, improving the links between businesses and their suppliers and customers. By supporting regeneration and enhancing access, the M74 completion will encourage inward investment and job creation throughout the West of Scotland."