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Local issues in the Revival Radio Broadcast Area

Upgrading the A80 Trunk Road

A local issue discussed and debated on Revival Radio is the urgrading of the A80 trunk road - a route used by more than 70,000 vehicles a day - to motorway standard and the proposals offered to achieve this.

Monday 3rd October 2005

A PUBLIC inquiry into a controversial motorway project opened today.

The probe is looking at proposals to upgrade the A80 to motorway status as it passes through Cumbernauld, a plan backed by the trunk roads authority.

A principal roads engineer, Mr Vance, claimed the M80 scheme was the best option economically and environmentally, would reduce congestion and travel times and provide an important link in the Central Scotland road network.

Today's public inquiry was arranged by the Executive, after mounting pressure from local campaigners.

The inquiry will hear from individuals and groups who back the plan as well as former Cumbernauld Development Corporation officials, local community councils, Local MP Rosemary McKenna and Condorrat community councillor Sam Mitchell who oppose the plans.

Objectors want the motorway to by-pass Cumbernauld. An alternative route through the Kelvin valley was proposed when the road scheme was first conceived in the 1960s.

Supporters of the A80 upgrade, with a new road between Stepps and Haggs, claim drivers will face gridlock if the project is scrapped.

The inquiry, at Cumbernauld, is expected to last three weeks.