Project Details

Description

A recent series of Principal Inspections (PI), General Inspections (GI), and structural reviews have identified that four structures on the M8 in Glasgow are currently in poor condition. Multiple defects have been recorded, indicating a decline in structural integrity. The bridge deck waterproofing on all four structures has not been replaced since the original construction and has now exceeded its expected service life. Additionally, water ingress has been observed through the expansion joints, further contributing to deterioration. The substructures also require concrete repairs due to the progressive deterioration of the structural elements identified during the inspections.

Following investigation works which were carried out in January 2025, the proposed construction activities for all four structures will include, but are not limited to, the following scope of works:

Structural Activities

  • Replacement of the waterproofing system, including planing of surfacing down to within 30mm of the existing membrane to minimise airborne particles on site. This process will also involve the safe removal of asbestos containing materials;
  • Expansion joint replacement;
  • Concrete repairs to the edge beams using hydro-demolition on two structures. For the remaining two structures, the recast edge beam will be fully removed and replaced;
  • Upgrades to parapets;
  • Installation of concrete ground beams to support the new parapet systems; and
  • Concrete repairs to the substructure elements.

Carriageway and Roadside Activities

  • Installation and/or relocation of sign face and posts within the central reservation;
  • Installation and/or relocation of an electrical feeder pillar on the grass verge adjacent to the eastbound (EB) on-slip;
  • Resurfacing of both eastbound and westbound (WB) carriageways; and
  • Upgrades to the Vehicle Restraint System (VRS) barriers within the central reservation and along the EB verge.

The plant/machinery/materials used on site will comprise of:

  • Handheld breaker;
  • 3 tonnes mini excavator;
  • Planer;
  • Tippers;
  • Low loader;
  • Water tankers;
  • Hydrauliska Industri AB (HIAB);
  • Mini crane for lifting temporary works;
  • Robotic hydro-demolition machine;
  • Water pumps;
  • Temporary Traffic Management (TM) Vehicles and Impact Protection Vehicle;
  • Road brush/sweeper;
  • Relevant Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including masks, gloves, steel toe capped boots, required for dealing with asbestos; and
  • A mechanical rubber scraper to remove the waterproofing and to avoid damaging the deck.

Construction works are scheduled to commence in September 2025 and are expected take approximately nine months to complete. Activities will be carried out during daytime and night-time hours to ensure efficient progress and minimise disruption.

A phased TM approach is proposed to facilitate the works while maintaining safety and minimising disruption. This will include the use of 24/7 lane closures and a contraflow system on the M8, which will involve closing two lanes and maintaining traffic flow by keeping one lane open and utilising the crossover to provide a second lane on the opposite carriageway.

TM measures will primarily be implemented on the M8 and associated slip roads. However, full lane closures of the following three slip roads will be required at specific stages during the construction period:

  • M8 J26 E/B on slip from Hillington – Diversion: Hillington Interchange (IC) - A736 Hillington Rd - Kings Inch Rd - Old Govan Rd - M8 Jct 25a end on slip;
  • M8 J26 W/B off slip to Hillington – Diversion: M8 Jct 25 WB off slip - A739 - Shieldhall Rd - Renfrew Rd - Hillington IC; and
  • M8 J25a W/B off slip to Braehead – Diversion: M8 Jct 25 WB off slip - A739 - Shieldhall Rd - Renfrew Rd - Hillington IC - Kings Inch Rd.

Location

Works are located on four structures situated at Junction 26 (Hillington Interchange) on the M8 in Renfrewshire. The structures are located at the following National Grid References (NGRs):

  • M8 26-26 40 Hillington IC West: NS 51904 66320
  • M8 26-26 30 Hillington IC East: NS 52004 66315
  • M8 26-26 20 Hillington IC Slip: NS 52158 66308

M8 26-26 10 Hillington Rail: NS 52186 66266

Carriageway and Roadside Activities, will be carried out on the M8 the following NGRs between the following NGRs:

  • Start: NS 51635 66273
  • End: NS 52346 66194