Raith Junction and the surrounding motorway network are vital links in the trunk road network of Central Scotland.
Severe traffic congestion exists at Raith Junction. The combination of high traffic volumes and circulating traffic on the roundabout cause both the northbound and southbound exit slips from the M74 to block back as far as the main motorway, with queues forming on the motorway at peak times. There are also significant queues on the A725 in both directions at the Raith Roundabout and the adjacent Whistleberry Toll roundabout.
In January 2003, Scottish Ministers announced:
'An investigation into ways of improving the performance of the trunk road network... including Raith Interchange on the M74 will be undertaken as part of the delivery phase for the upgrading of the A8 between Baillieston and Newhouse'.