Drivers warned of long delays ahead of major work on M8

Drivers are being told to expect long delays as major improvement works begin on the M8 motorway between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Work will begin on Monday, with resurfacing being carried out at Polkemmet, near Whitburn, between Junctions 5 and 4A.

A series of overnight carriageway closures will be required and, from 22-25 March, the M8 eastbound will be restricted to a single lane 24 hours a day.

From 4 to 7 April, traffic between Shotts and Newhouse will also be reduced to a single lane in both directions for bridge refurbishments.

Tommy Deans, Bear Scotland’s South East network manager, urged drivers to expect delays and adjust their travel plans accordingly.

He said: “Everyone who uses the M8 needs to be aware of these three major projects commencing in March and April.

“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.”

Mr Deans stressed that while the work was disruptive, it was necessary to ensure the long-term safety and reliability of the motorway infrastructure.

Similar work was completed on the westbound side of the bridge last October.

Later in the spring, a major project to refurbish the bridge carrying the B792 over the M8 will cause traffic restrictions on both the M8 and B792 for up to four months.

These will include lane closures, contraflow, speed limits, and overnight closures.