M80 motorway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
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| Route information | |
| Length | 25.0 mi (40.2 km) |
| Existed | 1974–present |
| History | M8 to Stepps completed 1992, Stepps to Haggs completed 2011, Haggs to M9 completed 1974 |
| Major junctions | |
| South end | Glasgow Blochairn |
| North end | Stirling |
| Major junctions |
 M8 motorway   M73 motorway   M876 motorway   M9 motorway Junction 9 |
| Location | |
| Primary destinations: |
Stirling, Cumbernauld, Glasgow |
| Road network | |
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The M80 is an important motorway in Scotland. It helps people travel between the big city of Glasgow and the historic city of Stirling. This road is also super useful because it connects other major motorways like the M73, M8, and M9. The M80 is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) long. It first opened way back in 1974.
About the M80 Motorway
The M80 motorway is a key route for drivers in central Scotland. It helps to reduce traffic on older, busier roads. Motorways like the M80 are designed for fast and safe travel. They have special rules, like no stopping on the main road and no pedestrians or cyclists allowed.
Where Does the M80 Go?
The M80 starts near Glasgow and heads north towards Stirling. Along its journey, it connects with several other important roads.
At its southern end, the M80 meets the M8 motorway. The M8 is a very busy road that goes through Glasgow. This connection helps drivers get into or out of the city easily.
Further along, the M80 links up with the M73. The M73 is a short motorway that connects the M8 and the M74. This means the M80 helps drivers heading south towards England.
As you travel north on the M80, you'll find exits for towns like Cumbernauld. This town is a large community between Glasgow and Stirling.
Finally, the M80 joins the M9 motorway near Stirling. The M9 continues north towards Perth and other parts of Scotland. This makes the M80 a vital link for journeys across the country.
Building the M80
The M80 wasn't built all at once. Different parts of the motorway were opened at different times. The first section, from Haggs to the M9, opened in 1974. This was a big step in improving travel in the area.
Later, more sections were added to complete the route. The part from the M8 to Stepps was finished in 1992. The last major section, from Stepps to Haggs, was completed in 2011. This meant the entire M80 motorway was finally open, making journeys much smoother and quicker for everyone.
Images for kids
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The M80 near its southern terminus at Blackhill, with the bridge carrying the Cumbernauld-Stepps railway line
