Mr Purcell was joined by the First Minister Alex Salmond today (Wednesday June 28, 2008) at  the event  in Glasgow. The Scottish Government, Glasgow, Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire Councils are to spend £445 million to complete the M74, due to open in 2011.

The Leader said: "The completion of the M74 is a key infrastructure undertaking for Glasgow and the West of Scotland generally.

"Glasgow has argued for decades that this project is crucial to the future growth of the city.

"With construction under way it will not be too long before we see the associated benefits that completing this stretch of motorway and the East End Regeneration route will bring for city, including economic prosperity, regeneration and the opportunity to bring jobs and homes to some of our most deprived communities."

Mr Salmond said: "Completion of the vital missing link in the M74 will reduce congestion and provide strategic transport links for industry in the West of Scotland. Better access for customers and suppliers will benefit thousands of businesses in the surrounding areas.

"Shorter journey times on local roads will help communities as well as business and will greatly help preparation and hosting of Glasgow's 2014 Games.

         
"Regeneration will be a direct result of the completion of the M74, helping to tackle pockets of unemployment through development of prime sites along the Clyde Corridor and areas in Glasgow's east end and south side such as Rutherglen and  Cambuslang.

"The Scottish Government's partnership with Glasgow City Council, South Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire Council  has enabled the investment in the M74 - a vital piece of infrastructure which will open new routes, new opportunities not only for the West of Scotland but for Scotland as a whole."

The contractor for the M74 project is Interlink M74 JV, a joint venture comprising Balfour Beatty, Morgan Est, Morrison Construction and Sir Robert McAlpine, four of the UK's major civil engineering contractors.

It is anticipated that the road will open in 2011 costing just under £445 million plus an allowance of approximately £12 million for possible treatment of mine workings along the route.

A freephone helpline will be available 24 hours, 7 days a week on 0800 328 1697 for members of the public who have any queries in relation to the works.

To learn more about the M74 Completion Project, click here.