§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to widen part, or all, of the M8 motorway between Glasgow and Edinburgh; and if he will make a statement. [30955]
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§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe Government's highest priority for the Glasgow-Edinburgh road is to provide motorway conditions over the whole length. The link between Newbridge and the Edinburgh city bypass is presently under construction and tenders are now to be sought for the first phase of the construction of motorway between Newhouse and Baillieston.
The existing section of motorway is now reaching the end of its structural life and requires refurbishment. Plans for work on the first section to be repaired, between Newhouse and Shotts, include widening to dual-three lanes, in line with the standards approved for the construction of the new section of motorway immediately to the west. Preparatory studies will be initiated this year to examine whether reconstruction work between Shotts and Newhouse should involve widening.