M73 motorway
Route information | |
---|---|
Part of ![]() | |
Length: | 7.0 mi (11.3 km) |
Existed: | 1969 – present |
History: | constructed 1969–72 |
Major junctions | |
South end: | Uddingston[1] |
![]() ![]() M74 motorway ![]() ![]() M8 motorway ![]() ![]() M80 motorway | |
North end: | Mollinsburn |
Location | |
Primary destinations: | Cumbernauld, Hamilton, Motherwell, Carlisle |
Road network | |
![](../I/m/M73_plus_Blue_Railway_Bridge_-_geograph.org.uk_-_127406.jpg)
The M73 is a motorway in Glasgow and North Lanarkshire, Scotland. It is 7 miles (11 km) long and connects the M74 motorway with the M80 motorway, providing an eastern bypass for Glasgow. The short stretch between Junctions 1 and 2 is part of unsigned international E-road network E05, where it continues along the M8 through Glasgow. To the south, the M74 motorway is also part of the E05.
Route
Starting at the M74 junction 4 (M73 junction 1) by the River Clyde, it proceeds north with Birkenshaw to the east and crosses the Whifflet railway line before meeting the M8 and A8 at a three-level interchange, west of Swinton. Immediately afterwards the North Clyde railway line and then passes alongside Woodend Loch before reaching junction 2A at Gartcosh. There is then a further 2 miles (3.2 km) of motorway, before traffic exits onto the M80 westbound.
The road is a dual 3 lane road between junctions 1 and 2, and a dual 2 lane road between junctions 2 and 3. It is subject to the national speed limit.
History and future plans
Construction began in 1969 with the motorway opening between May 1971 and April 1972.[2] Junction 2A was added at a later date.[1]
In 2011, the northern end was extended as part of the M80 completion project. This connects the motorway into the completed M80 at a new interchange.[3]
Junctions
![](../I/m/Maryville_Interchange_-_M73%2C_M74_-_geograph.org.uk_-_106423.jpg)
M73 motorway | ||
Northbound | Junction | Southbound |
Cumbernauld, Stirling M80 | J3 | Start of motorway |
Gartcosh, Muirhead (A752) | J2A | Gartcosh, Muirhead (A752) |
Edinburgh, Livingston (M8)
Glasgow (East) A8 |
J2 | Edinburgh, Livingston (M8)
Glasgow (East) A8 |
Glasgow (City Centre) M8 | No exit | |
Start of motorway | J1/ M74 J4 |
The South, Carlisle Glasgow (S.E.) M74 |
See also
References
- 1 2 "CBRD Motorway Database – M73". Cbrd.co.uk. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
- ↑ "The Motorway Archive – M73 Dates Page". Iht.org. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
- ↑ Official M80 Completion Website – Scheme Map (PDF)