£40m upgrade for M74
19 June 2012
Cross border drivers will welcome news the A74(M)/M74 between Junction 22 (Gretna) and Junction 12 (Millbank) is to undergo a £40 million upgrade over the next five years.
The programme of works is set to improve the condition of the carriageway, which is over 20 years old in places, and extend its long-term life.
A spokesperson for Transport Scotland and Autolink said:
“This busy motorway carries over 30,000 vehicles a day and is the main route between the border and the central belt.
“This project is being delivered in several phases over the next five years and, on completion, will deliver over 80 miles of new road surface – equivalent to 200 football fields.
“We are working closely with local communities to ensure they are kept abreast of these works as they are delivered. Our aim is to minimise disruption but traffic management is essential for the safety of road workers and road users alike.
“We urge drivers to plan their journeys in advance using all the available information such as Traffic Scotland website and radio bulletins.”
Traffic will be limited to 40mph through the works in the interests of safety for the workforce and motorists. Motorists should allow extra time for their journeys or consider using an alternative route while the works are carried out.
The phases of planned work for 2012 are outlined below:
- Maidengill Underpass to Junction 12
North and southbound carriageways
Resurfacing Works - Length 4.0km
Start Date: 30 June 2012
Duration: 4 Weeks - A702 Interchange (Jn 13) to Leadhills Overbridge
Southbound carriageway
Resurfacing Works - Length 1.2km
Start Date: 07 August 2012
Duration: 2 Weeks - Junction 15 (Beattock) to Paddy’s Rickle Bridge
North and southbound carriageways
Partial Reconstruction / Resurfacing Works - Length: 18km
Start Date: 04 August 2012
Duration: 17 Weeks - Paddy’s Rickle Bridge to Junction 14 (Elvanfoot)
North bound carriageway
Resurfacing Works - Length: 4km
Start Date: 18 August 2012
Duration: 4 Weeks
