Carillion Civil Engineering in Scotland, which has an office in East Dunbartonshire, will be helping to make history as the 4km link road will connect Kirkintilloch to the motorway for the very first time.

Preparation work to get the site ready for construction, including utility diversions, tree and plant clearing has already been carried out.

The building phase is expected to take around 18 months, with an expected opening date for the road in late 2009.

The road running from Kirkintilloch town centre to Hornshill interchange at the M80 Stepps by-pass will:
• relieve town centre congestion and improve public safety by diverting traffic away from residential areas in Kirkintilloch and Lenzie;
• improve transport links, bringing new business to the area and making current businesses more marketable;
• boost the local economy by contributing to the creation of up to 1000 new jobs and 100 new businesses, and
• create a brand new area of wetland to protect and attract wildlife, including birds, fish, otters and water voles

Andrew Trewick, Carillion Civil Engineering North managing director said: "Carillion Civil Engineering in Scotland is delighted to have secured this landmark project which will boost regeneration in the area.”