FOUR "world-class" contractors are in the running for a £415 million motorway improvement programme.

Work is to be carried out to improve parts of the M8, M73 and M74 motorways.

When it is completed, drivers should benefit from shorter journey times and improved road safety.

Four consortiums have been selected to bid for the work – Scotia Roads Group, Scottish Roads Partnership, Connect Roads and Caledonia Roads Group.

Alex Neil, the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Secretary, said he was delighted to see strong interest "from a host of world-class contractors".

The works include plans to upgrade the section of the A8 from Baillieston to Newhouse, completing the M8 between Edinburgh and Glasgow.