Skip to main content

EIB agrees backing to upgrade Scotland’s core motorway network

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has agreed to provide a funding contribution of US$292 million towards the completion of the motorway link between Glasgow and Edinburgh. The project includes the completion of the M8 motorway between Scotland’s two largest cities and major improvements to the M73 and M74 to reduce congestion and safety and improve travel times on one of Scotland’s busiest road networks. “The European Investment Bank is committed to supporting crucial investment in essential infrast
February 25, 2014 Read time: 2 mins
The 4270 European Investment Bank (EIB) has agreed to provide a funding contribution of US$292 million towards the completion of the motorway link between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The project includes the completion of the M8 motorway between Scotland’s two largest cities and major improvements to the M73 and M74 to reduce congestion and safety and improve travel times on one of Scotland’s busiest road networks.

“The European Investment Bank is committed to supporting crucial investment in essential infrastructure across Europe and we recognise the importance of the M8 scheme to upgrade Scotland’s core motorway links. This project will not only provide economic benefits during construction, but will also improve safety and reduce costs for business in the years ahead through improved travel times. We are committed to providing significant long-term financial support for the scheme.” said Jonathan Taylor, European Investment Bank vice-president responsible for the UK and Ireland.

Transport minister, Keith Brown, said: “This marks a significant milestone in the timeline of what is a major transport infrastructure project for Scotland. Not only will these works vastly improve connectivity across Scotland’s central belt, the project will deliver far reaching benefits to the wider Scottish economy.

“We’ll see the creation of hundreds of new jobs which will leave a lasting legacy of a highly-skilled workforce, bolstering Scotland’s construction industry. In addition, the project will act as a catalyst to attract significant inward investment and stimulate continued growth of our business communities.”

Debt financing for the project is equally split between a direct loan from the European Investment Bank and a bond placement with international investors. The new Scottish scheme represents the first UK road project involving bond finance since the global financial crisis in 2008, and is the largest project to be financed through the 2112 Scottish Government’s Non-Profit Distributing model.

Related Content

  • January 23, 2013
    Scotland’s speed cameras upgrade
    Transport Scotland has announced a US$3.8 million package to replace safety cameras across the country. The safety cameras, which detect motorists driving above the speed limit, will be upgraded to digital technology. The new cameras will offer a number of benefits including improved reliability, faster processing of offences and clearer images of offending vehicles. A Transport Scotland spokeswoman said: "Road safety is a priority for this government and we are making good progress towards meeting the amb
  • May 10, 2012
    Report on the impact of recession on infrastructure funding worldwide
    A new report examines how aggressive government belt-tightening and financial market deleveraging restrained worldwide infrastructure investments for 2012 and probably for the next five years. In the US, for instance, Infrastructure2012: Spotlight on Leadership, released by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and Ernst & Young, says that constrained public budgets and a growing recognition at the local level of the importance of infrastructure, combined with lack of action at the federal level, are causing state
  • February 14, 2024
    Glasgow finalises its mobility-shift strategy
    Scottish city wants 'far more sustainable and equitable modes' than the private car
  • August 10, 2015
    Siemens electrifies Scottish businesses
    Siemens has installed electric vehicle (EV) charge points for businesses across Scotland, including Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen, SGM Distribution and Edinburgh College. The company’s new and comprehensive range of Transport Scotland-compliant charging points includes AC chargers that provide both single and three phase charging via single or dual outlets, and can be floor standing, pole or wall mounted. Also included in the range is a triple outlet, multi-standard, rapid charging station