Support for the Route

Stewart Stevenson, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change

"Delivery of this scheme will reduce congestion on the busiest stretch of the M8 through Glasgow and provide links into key regeneration projects of national significance in Glasgow’s east end, bringing much needed new investment in homes and jobs. Local communities will be able to enjoy a better quality of life through improved opportunities for work and leisure as well as all round benefits such as better air quality, less congestion and a reduction in road accidents.

"Improving transport links to the west of Scotland is part of our commitment to a wealthier Scotland. The completed M74 will attract more inward investment to the region, bringing jobs and greater economic opportunities for businesses."

David Middleton, Chief Executive, Transport Scotland

“The M74 Completion project is a key element in the Scottish Government’s continuing programme of investment in the country’s transport infrastructure, promoting the sustainable economic growth of Scotland.

"Transport Scotland is working with its partners to deliver this project which is already benefiting the construction industry by employing 900 people at the peak of construction. In the longer term, when complete, it will improve journey times, reduce congestion and provide strategic transport links for industry in Scotland as well as bringing environmental and safety benefits for local communities in the Glasgow area.”

Steven Purcell, Leader of Glasgow City Council

“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 under way 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."

Eddie McAvoy, Leader of South Lanarkshire 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."

James Kelly, MSP for Glasgow Rutherglen

"The completion of the M74 project by the scheduled date of 2011-12 is absolutely vital for West and Central Scotland. The M74 will assist economic expansion in the region by attracting new businesses and providing faster transport links for those already based here. Furthermore, with the Commonwealth Games now taking place in Glasgow, the completed M74 will contribute towards a modern transport infrastructure which is vital for the success of the 2014 games."

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 project 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 project will encourage inward investment and job creation throughout the West of Scotland.”