M9 motorway (Scotland) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
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Looking north from junction 1
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| Route information | ||||
| Maintained by Transport Scotland | ||||
| Length | 33.0 mi (53.1 km) | |||
| Existed | 1968–present | |||
| History | Opened: 1968 Completed: 1980 |
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| Major junctions | ||||
| Southeast end | Newbridge | |||
 M8 motorway   J1a → M90 motorway   J7 → M876 motorway  J8 → M876 motorway   J9 → M80 motorway |
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| Northwest end | Dunblane | |||
| Location | ||||
| Counties: | Edinburgh, West Lothian, Falkirk, Stirling | |||
| Primary destinations: |
Edinburgh Airport Falkirk Stirling |
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| Road network | ||||
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→The M9 is an important motorway in Scotland. It helps connect the capital city, Edinburgh, to the town of Dunblane. This road is about 33 miles (53 km) (around 53 kilometers) long, making it a key route for travel in central Scotland. Motorways like the M9 are special roads designed for fast and safe travel over long distances. They have no traffic lights or roundabouts, allowing cars to keep moving smoothly.
Contents
What is a Motorway?
A motorway is a special type of road built for high-speed travel. In the UK, motorways are usually identified by the letter 'M' before their number, like the M9. They have at least two lanes of traffic going in each direction, separated by a central barrier. This design helps keep traffic flowing and reduces the chance of accidents. You can only enter or exit a motorway at specific points called junctions.
Why are Motorways Important?
Motorways play a big role in connecting different parts of a country. They make it easier and quicker for people to travel between cities and for goods to be transported. The M9, for example, is vital for linking Edinburgh with places like Stirling and Falkirk, and for reaching Edinburgh Airport.
Key Connections of the M9
The M9 motorway has several important connections, allowing drivers to reach many different places across Scotland. These connections are called junctions.
Major Junctions and Destinations
- Starting Point (near Edinburgh): The M9 begins near Newbridge, where it connects with the M8 motorway. The M8 is a major road that goes towards Glasgow and Livingston.
- Edinburgh Airport (Junction 1): This junction is important for anyone travelling to or from Edinburgh Airport. It also connects to nearby towns like Broxburn.
- Queensferry Crossing and Perth (Junction 1a): At this junction, the M9 links up with the M90 motorway. The M90 takes you north over the Queensferry Crossing bridge towards Perth and Dundee.
- Falkirk and Grangemouth (Junctions 5 and 6): These junctions provide access to the towns of Falkirk and Grangemouth, which are important industrial areas.
- Kincardine Bridge and Glasgow (Junctions 7 and 8): The M9 connects with the M876 motorway here. This road leads towards the Kincardine Bridge and also provides a route towards Glasgow.
- Stirling and M80 (Junction 9): This is a key junction for reaching the historic city of Stirling. It also connects to the M80 motorway, which goes towards Glasgow and Carlisle.
- Stirling Services: Along the M9, there's a service station near Stirling. These are places where drivers can stop for fuel, food, and a rest during their journey.
- End Point (Dunblane) (Junction 11): The M9 finishes near Dunblane. From here, you can continue your journey north on the A9 road towards places like Perth and Inverness.
Images for kids
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Speed limit sign at the exit for Edinburgh (Junction 2)
