WORK to complete the M74 motorway has hit a further snag after a crucial decision on the missing link was put back again.

A final price for the project was due to be set this week - but government officials are unable to agree on a funding level.

They have asked for a month's extension before coming up with a figure.

The Scottish Government has made a commitment to have the road completed in time for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Plans hit a hitch when only one consortium, Interlink M74, was formed to bid for the work, which is expected to cost around £550million.

Transport Scotland will rule on whether the consortium's bid is successful by March 7.

The new stretch of motorway will take traffic away from the city centre and ease congestion on the Kingston Bridge.

Extensive groundwork to prepare for the road has already taken place.