Transport Scotland has said plans for the M8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvements project are to go on display from today (8 October).

A series of public exhibitions, beginning in Baillieston, will allow road users and communities across the central belt region to view the proposals.

The exhibitions will take place in a number of venues over two separate weeks and will inform the public of the project prior to construction. It is expected that work will commence on the project before the end of the year.

The sessions will provide information on the various elements of the scheme, including:

• The new motorway between Baillieston and Newhouse to complete the M8



• Upgrade of stretches of the M74 motorway



• Upgrade of the M73 between Baillieston and Maryville that links the M8 and M74



• Improvement work at the M74 (Raith) Junction 5.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "Once complete, the project will deliver essential benefits across the Central Scotland belt by supporting sustainable economic activity as well as reducing journey times by up to 18 minutes at peak time between Glasgow and Edinburgh, improving journey time reliability and reducing congestion currently experienced across this part of the network.

"Over the summer, the preferred bidder for the M8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvements project was announced. As the project is now in its final stages prior to construction I would encourage communities and road users to take the opportunity to visit these exhibitions and remind themselves of the plans for this project."

(JP/IT)