Firms start bidding to revamp M9

A NUMBER of leading construction firms have begun bidding for work to carry out key improvements to the M9 as part of the £2 billion Forth crossing project.

The works, which are scheduled to start in July 2011 and be completed in December 2013 at an expected cost of between 46m and 65m, will widen the M9 at key locations, improving existing slip roads and providing new west connections between the M9 and M9 Spur.

The contract also includes provision of an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) that will help regulate the flow of traffic approaching the new bridge and Newbridge Junction.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson, said: "This demonstrates the progress being made on the most significant infrastructure development in this country for a generation and that, subject to the approval of the Forth Crossing Bill by the Scottish Parliament, the project remains on schedule."