Drivers in Glasgow will today face major road closures as busy routes shut down ahead of COP26.

The city's Clydeside Expressway and parts of the M8 will be closed to drivers from 9pm tonight, causing diversions of up to five miles.

Alternative routes for drivers who travel through Glasgow have been issued by Glasgow City Council.

The expressway (A814) section which is parallel to the OVO Hydro will be shut for three weeks alongside junction 19 of the M8.

The junction is being specifically used to escort world leaders and delegates travelling through from Edinburgh and outside Glasgow.  

Diversions, which could take drivers as far away as Anniesland, will spark extreme congestion in the city during the conference. 

An aerial map of Glasgow shows the full city will be 'at risk of congestion', and a ten-mile stretch of the M8 (J13-J26) will be 'significantly busier than usual'.

Here are the road closures:

  • Congress Road - Closed October 10 to November 17: As expected the first road to close will be the one directly outside the SECC and Hydro, where the majority of talks will take place, and it will re-open at 6am on November 17.
  • Congress Way: Partial closures with lane restrictions will begin on October 17 and the full road closure will begin from 9pm on Sunday October 24. It will re-open November 21 in the morning.
  • Clydeside Expressway – Partick Interchange to Anderston (Junction 19): The major dual carriageway will cause disruption to commuters as the road is set to be closed from October 23, but it r-opens earlier than others on November 15.
  • Clyde Arc and Lancefield Quay: Road closed from October 23 to November 15
  • Minerva Street – West Greenhill Place: Road Closed from October 28 to November 13. 

Local Area Traffic Management Plans (LATMPs) have issued day-to-day maps detailing road closures and areas with high risk of congestion.

Transport Minister Graeme Day said: “Many months of travel planning, and preparations are now entering their final, crucial phase.

“This event will be unprecedented for so many reasons and will bring its own unique challenges for Glasgow and beyond.

“I would urge commuters, business and the public to take some time to read the transport plan and familiarise themselves with the road closures and latest travel advice. We can all play a key role in delivering a successful event and ensuring the talks deliver results to help secure a better future for our planet.”

Full details of the closures can be found HERE.

Here are the day-to-day images detailing city traffic:

Sunday October 31
The Herald:

The Herald:


Monday November 1
The Herald:

The Herald:


Tuesday November 2
The Herald:

The Herald:


Wednesday November 3 - Friday November 5
The Herald:

The Herald:


Saturday November 6
The Herald:

The Herald:


Sunday November 7 - Saturday November 13
The Herald:

The Herald:


Walking and Cycling closures have been given diversions as seen below:

The Herald:

Full details of the closures can be found HERE.