Final stages of major M8M73M74 works

As part of the M8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvement Project, motorists are advised of the ongoing restrictions and planned temporary road closure at the Shawhead junction in Coatbridge as part of the final works to allow all new and improved lanes to be opened in the coming weeks.

The A725, from the M8 eastbound on-slip, to Whifflet Street (Kirshaws Road/ Hagsmill Road) roundabout, was reduced to a single lane in each direction from 6 May 2017 for approximately three weeks. Temporary traffic signals have been introduced to control the flow of traffic and these will be manually controlled at peak periods to aid traffic flow.

There will also be a full temporary closure of the Shawhead junction from 8pm on Friday 12 May until 6am on Monday 15 May 2017.

This will shut the A725 between B7070 North Road, Bellshill, and Kirkshaws Road/ Hagsmill Road, Coatbridge. The slip roads on and off the A8 All-Purpose Road will also be closed temporarily.

This means there will no direct access between Bellshill and Coatbridge via the A725 and there will be no access on or off the A8 All-Purpose Road at the Shawhead junction.

Access from the A725 northbound to the new M8 eastbound at Shawhead will be maintained during these works.

Signed diversions will be in place on all approaches to Shawhead junction to provide road users with alternative routes, details of which can be accessed via the Transport Scotland and Traffic Scotland websites.

Transport Scotland Project Sponsor Graeme Reid said:

“We recognise these restrictions and the temporary closures affect a lot of people. The contractor has made a number of changes to aid traffic flow since the implantation of the single lane restriction, however we would ask drivers to avoid this junction if possible.

“The weekend temporary closure of this junction will allow the contractor to undertake resurfacing and finishing works safely and will also minimise further peak-time restrictions and delays that have been experienced at this junction.

“Signed diversion routes will be in place over the weekend but delays are expected. We would recommend people plan their journeys in advance and avoid the area where possible.

“We are in the final stages of the M8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvements Project and would like to take this opportunity to thank local residents and road users for their patience as we deliver this important project.”


Published 10 May 2017 Tags