Scotland’s busiest motorway closed in both directions

The M8 is to remain closed at North Lanarkshire “for some time” after two crashes on Friday morning.

Scotland’s busiest motorway is blocked in both directions at Harthill, between Kirk of Shots and Whitburn, due to a collision around 4am.

Traffic Scotland said just after 12pm the road would remain shut following crash and urged drivers to avoid if possible. It’s not known whether anyone has been hurt in the incident.

A separate crash involving two vehicles also closed a section of the M8 between junctions 6a and 4a eastbound.

A Police Scotland spokesman said of the first crash: “Officers are currently in attendance on the M8 near to junction 5 at Shotts following a road traffic incident.

“Police were called to the scene at 4.05am on Friday, October 2. The road is currently closed in both directions between junction 4 and junction 5.

“Emergency services remain at the scene and drivers are asked to avoid the area, where possible.”

The spokesman later added: “Officers are currently dealing with a second crash involving two vehicles on the M8 eastbound at junction 6A, which happened around 7.45am on Friday. Emergency services are currently in attendance.”

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