£65m M9 improvements move step closer

KEY improvements to the M9 which are set to cost up to £65 million have moved a step closer as part of work on the new Forth crossing.

Transport Scotland said it had begun the pre-qualification process for the contract to upgrade junction 1a at Newbridge as part of the 2 billion bridge 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.

Steven Brown, Transport Scotland's roads team manager for the new crossing, said: "This contract represents a major part of the infrastructure needed to make the Forth Replacement Crossing work.

"The existing connections between M9 junction 1a and the M9 spur will be enhanced to provide two lanes and a hard shoulder to assist traffic flow through the junction area.

"The enhanced junction will also improve connectivity with West Lothian."