The M80 Stepps to Haggs project – which has dramatically reduced traffic congestion and journey times for drivers between Glasgow and Stirling – has beaten off stiff competition to pick up this year’s Saltire Society civil engineering award.
The award recognises, the importance of civil engineering and the role it plays in society providing vital infrastructure including roads, bridges, stations, stadia and water systems. The M80 Stepps to Haggs project completes the 18km non-motorway section of one of Scotland’s busiest roads, providing the ‘missing link’ in a key strategic route linking Glasgow, Stirling and the North East. The judges commended the ‘ingenuity and enterprise’ of the project team in overcoming challenges involving a series of complex structures, highway construction and geotechnical issues.
“The M80 project incorporated many technical engineering elements and was particularly impressive as it was all carried out while managing a live traffic flow of up to 73,000 vehicles per day,” said Gordon Pomphrey, Convener of the Awards Panel.
“The result is a solution to chronic traffic congestion, significantly reduced travelling times and improved road safety on this heavily used commuter corridor – as well as environmental benefits for the surrounding community.”