OPINION - Sinking motorway solution must last

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OPINION - Sinking motorway solution must last

THE completion of the M74 missing link last year was heralded as great news for Glasgow, cutting journey times, reducing congestion and taking traffic away from polluted city streets.

All which was the case but one year later it was not expected that the road be the subject of works to stop it from sinking.

The link cost more than £600million, and is expected to be around for decades, and while maintenance is crucial this was definitely not in the schedule.

Thankfully the problem was spotted before it led to a serious accident, but the situation is far from satisfactory.

When it was opened, government ministers council leaders and everyone involved in the project hailed the fact it was delivered ahead of schedule and under budget, but no-one said it was anything other than perfect.

Now faults have been identified the remedial works will take place and hopefully with the minimal disruption possible to motorists.

The defects must be properly repaired and other areas tested to ensure this is not a recurring problem along the route.

Glasgow and the west of Scotland waited decades for this road to be built, the last thing the city needs is a series of drawn out road closures to remedy sinking problems.

Contextual targeting label: 
Local government

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