• Operating contract with HMG extended by up to 10 years

BEAR Scotland has been awarded a contract extension by Highways Management (Scotland) Ltd (HMG) to operate and maintain the M80 between Stepps and Haggs for up to ten more years.

HMG entered a contract with Scottish Ministers in 2009 to design, build, finance and operate the new Stepps to Haggs section of the M80 motorway for a period of 30 years.  The scheme has delivered significant economic, environmental and safety benefits, including a 30-40% reduction in journey times during peak travel, equating to a reduction of approximately 15 minutes.

In 2011 BEAR Scotland was appointed by HMG to operate and maintain the new infrastructure until August 2021. This contract has now been extended until at least 2029, with the option to continue until August 2031.

The contract involves operation and routine maintenance of 18 kilometres of two and three-lane motorway on the M80 from Junction 2 Robyroyston to Junction 8, just north of Haggs. The road is used by up to 73,000 vehicles per day and is one of the busiest routes in Scotland.

BEAR Scotland has a dedicated team based at Chryston near Moodiesburn to ensure the M80 continues to operate safely and efficiently. The team oversees everything from carriageway maintenance to litter picking, grass cutting and landscaping, inspections, defect repairs, design of schemes and winter operations such as salt treatments. The M80 also has its own Trunk Road Incident Support Service (TRISS), to help deal quickly and safely with incidents on the motorway.

BEAR Scotland Managing Director Iain Murray said: “We’ve established a great working relationship with HMG over the ten years of the contract so far, and we’re delighted to be able to continue this relationship for another decade.

“The M80 Stepps to Haggs project has provided significant benefits for road users since it opened and our aim is to continue improving the experience for Transport Scotland’s customers wherever possible.”

HMG Project Director Carnie Morrison said: “We are delighted to extend our contract with our valued partner BEAR Scotland to deliver essential operational and maintenance services to the M80 Project, on behalf of Transport Scotland.”