The M74 Completion opens today, 28 June 2011, 8 months ahead of schedule. The 5 mile motorway link is expected to reduce congestion in the city centre and have a major impact on the local economy.
The new M74 motorway will generate as many as 20,000 jobs for
the Scottish economy, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and
Capital Investment, Alex Neil said today.
The improved transport link, completed by between £15 - £20 million
under budget, supported 900 jobs during its three year
construction.
Completed eight months ahead of schedule, the M74 is expected to
take around 20,000 vehicles per day off the M8 reducing peak hour
journey times by up to 10 minutes.
The motorway will be open to traffic from 7pm this evening.
Speaking at the opening ceremony Alex Neil said:
"The new M74 motorway will bring
major economic and social benefits to businesses, communities and
industry in the West of Scotland and the country as a whole.
"Thousands of new jobs will be created and because this crucial
piece of infrastructure was completed several months ahead of
schedule, millions of pounds of Scottish taxpayers' money has been
saved.
"The daily rush hour congestion in and around Glasgow will also be
eased leading to improved travel, which is good news for business,
commuters and the many thousands of visitors coming to
Scotland."
Interlink M74 JV Chairman, Bob Wilson, said,
"Interlink M74 JV is delighted to have successfully delivered the
design and construction of the M74 Completion project, Scotland's
largest single road scheme in a generation. The opening today is a
great day for everyone involved with the project and the wider
Scottish construction industry.
"Throughout the three year construction period, Interlink M74 JV, a
joint venture between Morrison Construction, Balfour Beatty, Morgan
Sindall and Sir Robert McAlpine, has worked closely with its
customers, subcontractors and suppliers. Together, we have
delivered this complex civil engineering project safely, ahead of
programme and on course to be under budget.
"This is a testament to the ability of all those in the project
team, and demonstrates what commitment, cooperation and teamwork
can really achieve on a project of this scale.
"The project team has repeatedly been acknowledged for the high
standard of its management and contribution to the environment and
local community. The project has been able to employ a high
proportion of local people creating over 50 employment
opportunities for the long term unemployed."
Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council,
said:
"This is a momentous day for Glasgow and for Scotland.
"We have completed the M74 - a vital part of the west of Scotland's
motorway network and an important project for the future growth of
the economies of both Glasgow and the country.
"This road is of major significance to the city. For years, Glasgow
made the case for the completion of the M74 and since day one has
been the force behind the project. The council staff have worked
tirelessly to get the road finished ahead of time and under budget.
Its completion will bring opportunities for thousands of
individuals and businesses, support East End regeneration, and help
us deliver the best possible Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
"Today marks the start of a new era for Glasgow and the west of
Scotland with an enhanced transport infrastructure, ensuring the
city is better connected both nationally and internationally, and
ensuring easier access to, from and across Glasgow."
A new M74 Opening web page
www.m74completion.com provides important traffic information for
drivers using the new road. It features maps and information for
drivers joining and leaving the new section of motorway.