ONE of Scotland's busiest motorways is to be partially closed at night to allow for resurfacing work.

It will begin on the M74 north of Glasgow between Larkhall and Motherwell this Sunday, lasting a week.

The work has been scheduled to avoid the October holiday period for Glasgow and Lanarkshire schools.

During daytime hours two lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction.

At night, when traffic is lighter, the southbound carriageway will be closed to allow the works to progress, but one lane will be maintained south via a contraflow on the northbound side.

The work is being carried out by Transerv, and Evan Ferguson, the company's Planned Maintenance Manager said: "The M74 is one of Scotland's most important economic arteries, carrying freight across the border and into Ireland. As a result of this, the road surface is reaching the end of its operational life and is in need of resurfacing.

"Scotland TranServ has been planning this short-term project with a number of authorities including Transport Scotland, Police and the local authorities.

"We hope to keep disruption to an absolute minimum. Drivers who can make alternative arrangements are asked to do so."