A PACKAGE of road improvements including completion of the motorway between Glasgow and Edinburgh will cost more than £600 million – around £150m more than previous estimates.
The budget for the upgrades to the M8, M73 and M74 was unveiled yesterday as government agency Transport Scotland began the process of appointing contractors to carry out the work.
When completed in 2017, the upgrade of the A8 between Baillieston to Newhouse is expected to shave 18 minutes from journeys between Scotland's two biggest cities at peak periods and lead to 100 fewer accidents a year. Other elements include improving the Raith Interchange and widening key sections of the M8, M74 and M74.
Officials had planned on completing the schemes by 2014 and put their cost at between £275m to £335m in 2007 – or £453m including VAT and inflation.
However, the latest construction cost was put at £415m, excluding VAT, and does not include the cost of utility diversions, design work and land purchases. The total package is expected to be £610m.
A spokeswoman for Transport Scotland cautioned against comparing the two budgets.
"Comparing against any previous cost estimates is very misleading because previous estimates will not include inflation in the construction market since 2007, the cost implications of changes to design standards and additional infrastructure, such as cycle paths and bridge works, required following extensive consultation with local authorities," she said.
Transport Minister Keith Brown said the construction project would create around 900 jobs and boost the economy. "Completing the central motorway network will deliver direct economic savings to businesses and individuals through improved transport links."
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