MOTORISTS have been warned to expect long delays as major road works begin on the M8 motorway between Glasgow and Edinburgh, due to improvement works being carried out throughout spring.
Resurfacing of 1.25 kilometres of the road at Polkemmet, near Whitburn in West Lothian, will be taking place in May by BEAR Scotland.
Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland's South East network manager, urged drivers to expect delays and adjust their travel plans accordingly.
The full list of planned works on the M8:
May 6-7
- Eastbound closed between Junctions 5 and 4A
- Time: 8:30pm – 6:00am
May 8
- Eastbound closed between Junctions 5 and 4A
- Westbound lane closures also in place
- Time: 8:30pm – 6:00am
May 9:
- Eastbound closed between Junctions 4A and 5
- Westbound full closure from midnight
- Time: 8:30pm – 6:00am
May 10–13:
- Contraflow in operation 24/7 between Junctions 4A and 5
- Eastbound traffic restricted to one land
May 13–16:
- Eastbound closed nightly between Junctions 5 and 4A
- Time: 8:30pm – 6:00am
Deans said: “This section of the M8 eastbound is nearing the end of its serviceable life and it is essential that we replace the road surface now before it deteriorates.
“A 24-hour contraflow is necessary due to the depth of construction and to allow for sustainable construction techniques, including the recycling of hazardous material within the construction of the new road surface.
“This is a significantly deeper and more comprehensive resurfacing project than is typically carried out during overnight closures.
“Most of the structural defects being repaired are below the surface and are revealed from investigations including ground penetrating radar and material testing, rather than cracks or potholes on the surface. We’ll be reconstructing the road down to the full depth of construction in some places.
“Traffic modelling indicates estimated delays for eastbound traffic of up to 60 minutes at peak times. We’re warning road users to expect long delays and consider alternative routes in the hope that many will alter their travel plans to avoid this disruption. We thank road users for their patience and understanding.”
M8 between Bathgate and Blackburn
A second project will also be launched to refurbish the bridge carrying the B792 over M8 on May 19.
Several traffic restrictions will be in place on both the M8 and B792 for an estimated four months.
Junction 3A and 4 will see restrictions, including lane closures, contraflow, speed limits, and overnight closures.
