Major weekend disruption ahead on A8 for motorway upgrade

Drivers face three months of weekend delays on the A8 east of Glasgow when the dual carriageway is narrowed to one lane from 6 May, Transport Scotland announced today.
Picture: Transport ScotlandPicture: Transport Scotland
Picture: Transport Scotland

The disruption is likely to be the worst on the main Edinburgh-Glasgow route since work started in 2014 on upgrading the missing link of the M8 to motorway.

Only one lane in each direction will be open between Chapelhall and Shawhead over most weekends between 8pm on Fridays and 6am on Mondays.

Access to sliproads and other roads could also be affected.

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However, no restrictions will be in place over the 21-22 May weekend, when the Scottish Cup Final takes place at Hampden Park in Glasgow.

The contraflow is needed for demolition of the B799 bridge over the A8 at Chapelhall and construction of a widened bridge over the road at the Shawhead junction.

Graeme Reid, project manager for the M8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvements Project, said: “Whilst we’re doing everything we can to minimise the disruption, delays will be inevitable, so we’re asking motorists to check the Transport Scotland and Traffic Scotland websites for updates on this key route between Glasgow and Edinburgh, to plan their journeys in advance and to look at taking an alternative route if possible.

“These works have been scheduled to take place over the weekends to avoid disruption to commuters during the morning and evening peaks.

“Two lanes will be reinstated in each direction ahead of the Monday morning rush hour.

“To date, the majority of works on the A8/M8 have taken place offline [away from the road] with minimal disruption to those using this route on a daily basis.

“However, this year will see major works take place as we link the existing road with the new M8 motorway and its junctions, and there will be an unavoidable increase in traffic management as a result.”

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