Motorists using the M8 are warned to expect long delays and consider alternative routes during major resurfacing works.
The works will take place on the M8 eastbound between Junctions 5 and 4A beginning on May 6.
Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland is set to resurface 1.25 kilometres of carriageway near Polkemmet Country Park.
The M8 eastbound between Junctions 5 and 4A will be restricted to a single lane 24 hours a day for four days, from the morning of Saturday May 10 until the evening of Tuesday May 13.
A series of overnight carriageway closures will also be in place:
- 6 and 7 May: The eastbound M8 will be closed between Junctions 5 and 4A from 20:30 until 06:00 each night.
- 8 May: The eastbound M8 will be closed between Junctions 5 and 4A from 20:30 until 06:00, with westbound lane closures also in place.
- 9 May: The eastbound M8 will be closed between Junctions 4A and 5 from 20:30 until 06:00, with a westbound road closure also in place from midnight.
- 10 to 13 May: A contraflow will be in operation 24 hours a day between Junctions 4A and 5, with eastbound traffic restricted to a single lane. Two lanes will remain open westbound.
- 13, 14, 15 and 16 May: The eastbound M8 will be closed between Junctions 5 and 4A from 20:30 until 06:00 each night.
To allow the contraflow to be set up and removed, overnight eastbound lane closures will also be in place on the nights of 8 and 9 May, and westbound traffic will run on the hard shoulder on the night of 13 May.
During carriageway closures, a signed version route will be in place between M8 Junctions 4A and 5, via the B7066 and B7057.
Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.
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Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s South East Network Manager, said: “This section of the M8 eastbound is nearing the end of its serviceable life and it is essential that we replace the road surface now before it deteriorates.
“A 24-hour contraflow is necessary due to the depth of construction and to allow for sustainable construction techniques, including the recycling of hazardous material within the construction of the new road surface.
“This is a significantly deeper and more comprehensive resurfacing project than is typically carried out during overnight closures.
“Most of the structural defects being repaired are below the surface and are revealed from investigations including ground penetrating radar and material testing, rather than cracks or potholes on the surface. We’ll be reconstructing the road down to the full depth of construction in some places.
“Traffic modelling indicates estimated delays for eastbound traffic of up to 60 minutes at peak times. We’re warning road users to expect long delays and consider alternative routes in the hope that many will alter their travel plans to avoid this disruption.
“We thank road users for their patience and understanding.”
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