MOTORISTS have been warned to expect “long delays” as major roadworks have been announced for the M8.
Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland has revealed plans for a series of major improvement projects on the M8 motorway between Glasgow and Edinburgh this spring.
The first of the planned major work is to begin on March 17 at Polkemmet between Junctions 5 and 4A.
The transport firm said a series of overnight carriageway closures will be required to resurface the roads.
The M8 eastbound will also be restricted to a single lane for four days beginning March 22.
Traffic on the M8 between Junctions 5 and 6 will then be restricted to a single lane in both directions over the weekend beginning April 4 so workers can refurbish a bridge carrying the motorway on the eastbound side.
BEAR Scotland also announced that later in spring, a major project to refurbish the bridge carrying the B792 local road over the M8 between Bathgate and Blackburn will also get under way.
The transport firm said this will require a variety of traffic restrictions on both the M8 and the B792, including contraflow, lane closures, speed restrictions and overnight carriageway closures over a period of approximately four months.
Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s South East network manager, said the refurbishment work is essential to keep drivers safe and that by acting proactively they hope it will reduce the requirement for future closures.
He said: “Everyone who uses the M8 needs to be aware of these three major projects commencing in March and April.
“Our advice is to expect long delays during major works, and consider adapting your travel plans.
“We usually carry out disruptive works overnight, however the resurfacing project at Polkemmet will be significantly deeper and more comprehensive than normal, therefore we need to close the carriageway for four continuous days.
“Likewise, closures and restrictions will be essential in order to keep drivers and workers safe during major works at Longacre Bridge and the B792 bridge.
“All of these projects are essential to keep our motorway infrastructure in a safe and reliable condition. By proactively renewing and refurbishing these roads and bridges now, we will reduce the requirement for future closures to carry out reactive maintenance.”
