Weekend motorists advised to expect delays on A8 between Baillieston and Newhouse Junctions

The A8 will be in contraflow on approach to the Chapelhall and Shawhead Junctions, reducing traffic to one lane in each direction from 20:00 hours Friday to 06:00 hours Monday, each weekend.

This traffic management is required for major works on two structures as part of the construction of the new M8 and includes the demolition of Bo’ness Road bridge (B799), which crosses the A8 at Chapelhall, and the construction of a widened bridge at Shawhead Junction.

Graeme Reid, Project Manager for the M8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvements Project, said: “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.

“We’re working closely with our contractor, Scottish Roads Partnership (SRP), to minimise the disruption to road users as a result of this work, and these restrictions will not be in place during the May Bank Holiday weekends (30 April - 01 May and 28 - 29 May), or during the weekend the Scottish Cup Final takes place at Hampden Park (21 - 22 May).

“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.”

At times, the weekend contraflows may affect access to slip roads and local roads, therefore road users are being advised to check the Traffic Scotland and Transport Scotland websites for the latest information.

Mr Reid, added: “To date, the majority of works on the A8/M8 have taken place offline with minimal disruption to those using this route on a daily basis. Regular commuters travelling between Glasgow and Edinburgh will have seen the emerging line of the new M8 carriageways parallel to the A8.

“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.”

When complete, the M8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvements Project will significantly reduce congestion across the central Scotland motorway network, shaving approximately 20 minutes off the daily commute from Glasgow to Edinburgh.

Traffic management layouts change regularly, therefore road users are advised to routinely check the Transport Scotland website and the Traffic Scotland website for live updates; www.transportscotland.gov.uk and www.trafficscotland.org