Drivers warned of long delays on M8 between Glasgow and Edinburgh for weeks due to major works

Drivers on the M8 have been warned of “long delays” for weeks ahead of major work programmes.

Road maintenance company BEAR Scotland said people should plan ahead during a series of works on the motorway between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The first project will take place over the weekend of April 4 to 7, with traffic in both directions restricted to a single lane between junctions 5 and 6 to refurbish the eastbound side of a bridge.

Major resurfacing works at Polkemmet between junctions 5 and 4A will then begin on May 6, with a series of overnight carriageway closures required.

These resurfacing works will take place in early May rather than late March as originally planned.

Additionally, the M8 eastbound will be restricted to a single lane 24 hours a day from May 10 to May 13.

On May 19, a project to refurbish the bridge carrying the B792 local road over the M8 between Bathgate and Blackburn will get under way.

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

Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s south east network manager, said: “Everyone who uses the M8 needs to be aware of these three major projects commencing in March and April.

“Following a tender process, it’s now confirmed that bridge works next to Bathgate and Blackburn will commence later than originally anticipated on May 19.

“This has created an opportunity to move the resurfacing scheme at Polkemmet to early May, avoiding the weekend of the Scotland football international on March 22.

“We usually carry out disruptive works overnight, however the extensive nature of the works at Longacre Bridge and Polkemmet mean we need to close the carriageway for several days to keep drivers and workers safe.

“Our advice is to expect long delays during these works, and consider adapting your travel plans.

“All of these projects are essential to keep our motorway infrastructure in a safe and reliable condition.

“By proactively renewing and refurbishing these roads and bridges now, we will reduce the requirement for future closures to carry out reactive maintenance.”