Delays expected from two weeks of M8 roadworks

BEAR Scotland will carry out "essential" resurfacing works on the M8 westbound

Drivers are being warned to expect delays ahead of two weeks of resurfacing works on the M8 in September.

Transport Scotland's operating company BEAR Scotland is set to resurface 1.55km (0.9m) of the M8 westbound at Harthill services.

The works will restrict traffic to a single lane, 24 hours a day, beginning on the evening of Thursday 5 September and concluding on the morning of Saturday 21 September.

The works will begin with the overnight closure of two eastbound carriageways on 5 and 6 September.

BEAR Scotland said access to Harthill services will be restricted for several days during the works with precise dates and times to be confirmed later.

A signed diversion route will be in place from Junction 5 to Junction 4A via the B7057, B7066 and Balgornie Road, adding approximately four minutes and 0.4 miles to affected journeys.

'Essential' work

From the morning of Saturday 7 September until the morning of Saturday 21 September, the westbound carriageway of the M8 will be closed between Junctions 5 and 4A with a contraflow arrangement in place on the eastbound carriageway.

Two lanes will remain open for eastbound traffic, however westbound traffic will be restricted to a single lane 24 hours a day.

During the contraflow, the M8 junction 5 westbound off-slip and eastbound on-slip will also be closed, with traffic directed to M8 Junction 6 from where they can return eastward to exit at M8 Junction 5 or continue eastbound.

Traffic Scotland said the diversion will add approximately twelve minutes and 10.8 miles to affected journeys.

Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s South East Network Manager, said it is "essential" the work is carried out now before the road deteriorates.

He said: “These surfacing improvements will improve safety for motorists as well as the quality and reliability of the road surface, while making use of sustainable techniques to minimise the environmental impact of the works.

“We appreciate the delays and disruption that these works will cause, however we’ve done everything we can to minimise the impact."

BEAR Scotland added all works are weather dependent and subject to postponement but real time journey information is available online from the Traffic Scotland website or on X @trafficscotland.