M74 extension could prove crucial to city council’s plans for Commonwealth Games
Glasgow has shown how serious is it about hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games by announcing a £1 bn package of investment for road, rail and bus improvements for the city. Experts believe that a cohesive transport network could be a crucial factor in the competition, in which Glasgow will run against cities in Canada, South Africa and Nigeria.
Glasgow council leader Steve Purcell said: “by 2014 we will have spent £1 bn on a new transport infrastructure, including the M74 extension, the airport rail link, the east end regeneration link and new bus corridors. Our excellent transport infrastructure is a key part of our bid.”
While the bid has received backing from first minister Jack McConnell, there are obstacles to overcome if the organising team is to be ready to submit its bid in time for the October 2007 deadline. Environmentalists have challenged plans for the five-mile extension of the M74, and the case will not be heard in the Court of Session until June next year, only 15 months before the submissions are due.
