Drivers set for 'long delays' as major roadworks on M8 between Glasgow and Edinburgh to begin

Drivers using the M8 are being asked to plan ahead after being warned of “long delays” due to major improvement works being carried out throughout spring.

Road maintenance company BEAR Scotland are resurfacing 1.25 kilometres of the road at Polkemmet, near Whitburn in West Lothian, in May.

A series of overnight carriageway closures will be required and, from May 10 to 13, the M8 eastbound will be restricted to a single lane 24 hours a day, with drivers facing at delays of up to an hour.

The full list of delays are:

May 6 and 7: The M8 eastbound will be closed between Junctions 5 and 4A from 8.30pm until 6am.
May 8: The M8 eastbound will be closed between Junctions 5 and 4A from 8.30pm until 6am, with westbound lane closures also in place.
May 9: The M8 eastbound will be closed between Junctions 4A and 5 from 8.30pm until 6am, with a westbound road closure also in place from midnight.
May 10 to 13: A contraflow will be in operation 24 hours a day between Junctions 4A and 5, with eastbound traffic restricted to a single lane.
May 13, 14, 15 and 16: The eastbound M8 will be closed between Junctions 5 and 4A from 8.30pm until 6am.

Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s south east network manager, admitted that while the work was “disruptive”, it was necessary.

He 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.”

A project to refurbish the bridge carrying the B792 over the M8 between Bathgate and Blackburn will get under way on May 19.

BEAR said this will require a variety of traffic restrictions on both the M8 and B792 for four months between junction 3A and 4, including lane closures, contraflow, speed limits, and overnight closures.