The operation to instal the second and final section of the largest bridge on the massive M74 extension project has begun.

The project, which will link the M74 to the M8, needs to bridge a series of roads and rail lines on the South Side, and the final segment of the link is now being inched into place.

Earlier this year the westbound deck of the Port Eglinton Viaduct was raised above the West Coast Main Line, local rail lines and a number of roads.

Now, the eastbound deck will be pulled across Salkeld Street, the West Coast Main Line and local rail lines as well as Eglinton Street and Devon Street.

The viaduct will complete the missing link between the end of the existing M74 at Fullarton Road and the M8 southwest of the Kingston Bridge. The new bridge is the largest of 13 structures along the route of the new motorway.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson, said: “This is a significant milestone in the M74 Completion project.

“The work is moving on apace and the structures to support the new road are now visible.”

Interlink M74 joint venture project director David Welsh said: “We are delighted to be achieving these key objectives on programme.

“Many obstacles had to be overcome to turn design into construction and I must congratulate the design and construct team, plus client, for working so well together to overcome the major challenges we have encountered to get to this stage in the project.”