Support for the Route

Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, 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."

Leader of South Lanarkshire Council, Councillor Eddie McAvoy, said:

“It’s fantastic news that the M74 Completion Project has been finished ahead of schedule and under budget.

“South Lanarkshire Council has supported the project from the very outset and we are delighted to be part of something that will bring tremendous benefits to so many people.

“I have no doubt that the completed road will bring with it numerous opportunities for economic prosperity and regeneration. Indeed, we have already seen an example of this with the news that a potential 700 new jobs look set to be created thanks to a £14m investment at Clyde Gateway East Business Park.

“There are also numerous brownfield sites in Rutherglen and Cambuslang, in particular, which are now prime development opportunities thanks to the completion of the M74.

“The M74 Completion Project has been a tremendous example of partnership working between numerous public and private sector organisations.

“It has been quite remarkable to see the road taking shape over the past few years and I am delighted South Lanarkshire Council has played its part in the process.”

Councillor Iain Nicolson, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Planning and Economic Development Policy Board, said: 

“The M74 will give Renfrewshire’s economy, transport infrastructure and employment prospects a major boost.

“Existing companies will benefit from a fast, reliable road connection and Renfrewshire’s enhanced accessibility will make the area more attractive to inward investors.  The investment will also benefit Glasgow Airport as a transport and economic hub.”

Chris MacRae, Freight Transport Association Head of Policy for Scotland said:

“Completion of the M74 is delivery of a vital link in Scotland’s transport chain aiding Glasgow’s connectivity and making Glasgow and the west of Scotland an easier place to do business and service Scotland’s logistics needs.

“Scotland’s export led economy is dependent upon good transport links to take its goods to market – this is vital for Scotland to trade its way out of recession and help its economy compete with those of other nations in a global market.”

Iain McMillan, Director CBI Scotland said:

“CBI Scotland has long campaigned on behalf of our members for this crucial infrastructure project and its completion is a very welcome milestone on the road to overhauling Scotland’s transport network.

“The completion of the M74 will ensure that west central Scotland’s connectivity is enhanced while alleviating the pressure on the busiest stretch of the M8 motorway through Glasgow. The Scottish Government is to be commended for delivering on this long-desired and much needed infrastructure project.”

Phil Flanders, Regional Director (Scotland and NI) for Road Haulage Association said:

“For many years hauliers have hoped for this link to be completed. It has the potential to save time and money and reduce emissions on journeys. We are pleased that another bottleneck has been relieved and thank all those responsible for getting the job done.”

Jack Ferguson, Executive Committee Member of Glasgow Taxis Ltd said:

“We are delighted to see the opening of the new M74 Completion which will be great for our business, our members, our drivers – and, of course, for passengers.

“We have more than 2000 drivers operating almost 1000 taxis on Glasgow’s roads and this significant investment in the roads infrastructure will enable them to strengthen the safe, secure and professional service they provide. There’s nothing worse – for drivers or passengers – than sitting still in traffic so the fact the new M74 Completion will help relieve congestion on the city’s bottlenecks is good news for all.”

Martin Little, Chairman, Glasgow branch, the Federation of Small Businesses said:

“The M74 Completion should mean shortened journey times and fewer traffic jams. This means less wasted time in the week and therefore substantial productivity gains for the city’s small business community. Businesses across the west of Scotland are looking forward to this change.”

Dr Lesley Sawers, Chief Executive, SCDI said:

“The completion of this key piece of transport infrastructure in the West of Scotland is welcomed by business, commuters and visitors to Scotland. Apart from the reduction in journey times and congestion on the motorway network, the completion of the M74, ahead of schedule and under budget, will allow Scotland to get goods and services to market quicker and more efficiently and lead to wider economic benefits across Scotland.”

Ian Manson, Chief Executive, Clyde Gateway said:

“Clyde Gateway East Business Park would never have been built if the completion of the M74 link hadn’t gone ahead. The companies who locate here will have direct access to the UK’s motorway network within minutes.”

ACO David Goodhew, Director of Operations, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue said:

“The M74 extension is going to have a very positive effect on Glasgow’s infrastructure and should improve congestion and travel times. For SFR, those benefits will mean we can get our appliances out to incidents as quickly and as safely as possible.

“The new road is also of strategic importance to our future development; the location of our new Clydesmill site was chosen with this in mind as it will allow us better access to all major routes.”

Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce said: 

“The M74 extension is absolutely vital for business. Not only will it reduce congestion through the city centre, but it will greatly reduce journey times from the area to key markets and improve access from the east of the city and Lanarkshire to Glasgow Airport.

“It will stimulate the economy, create jobs, improve the quality of life in the East End and benefit the whole West of Scotland economy.”