THE missing link' in Scotland's road network - the M74 extension - took a step nearer completion today.

THE missing link' in Scotland's road network - the M74 extension - took a step nearer completion today.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson laid the foundations for the main junction of the new road with the M8 just south of Glasgow's Kingston Bridge.

The £700million project is Scotland's biggest road-building scheme and is providing hundreds of jobs for the hard-pressed construction industry.

Backers of the link - between Carmyle and the Kingston Bridge - say it will reduce congestion and bring significant economic benefits to Glasgow and west Scotland.

Piers which will carry the new road are being built at the main junction visited by Mr Stevenson today.

He said it marked a "symbolic moment" when two of Scotland's major motorways are brought together.

Mr Stevenson added: "At its peak this project will support around 900 jobs - many of them young trainee professionals who will gain valuable experience in their respective professional trades."

Councillor Chris Thompson, chairman of South Lanarkshire Council's enterprise resources committee, said: "People will now be able to see the road beginning to take shape.

"And they will realise the positive impact it will have on journey times throughout the west of Scotland."

A total of 13 bridges are being built along the five-mile route.

Four major road junctions will be built - at the Kingston Bridge, Polmadie Road, Cambuslang Road and Fullarton Road.

The missing link - which has been delayed since 1972 - is expected to open in 2011.