M8 to close overnight for two weeks of footbridge cleaning

The M8 will be closed overnight in both directions for cleaning work on the Harthill Footbridge

Sections of Scotland's busiest motorway will close overnight for almost two weeks to allow a footbridge to be cleaned.

The M8 is to be closed from 20:30 to 06:00 between junctions 5 and 4a westbound from Monday to Friday while work is carried out on the Harthill Footbridge. The eastbound carriageway will then close from 3-7 November.

Drivers will be directed on a one-mile diversion via the B7066 and the B7057, adding about six minutes to journeys.

BEAR Scotland said the project was "essential" for the safety of road users.

The bridge, which was opened in 2012, was also closed briefly in 2023 for cleaning work.

It connects the village of Harthill, which straddles North Lanarkshire and West Lothian to Harthill service station.

David Bishop, BEAR Scotland's south east unit bridges manager, said: "This footbridge over the M8 is being cleaned to ensure it can continue to provide safe and reliable service.

"It is essential for the safety of road users and the workforce that the carriageway below is closed while this takes place.

"We thank road users for their patience and understanding."