20 weeks of work over A8

The Cutty Sark railway bridge over the A8 is to be repaired and strengthened from next week, resulting in 20 weeks of contraflow.

Network Rail engineers will strengthen the main girders and bridge deck, blast-clean and repair metalwork, apply corrosion protection to steelwork, repair masonry, clear vegetation and paint the entire bridge.

Contraflow will be put in place near the Showcase cinema – between the new A8/A89 roundabout and the A752 Bargeddie junction – for 20 weeks from next Monday, June 5.

Phase one will see work take place above the eastbound carriageway; that will then be reversed for the 10 weeks from August 14, and junction accesses will be maintained.

Network Rail programme manager Billy McKay said: “We’ve worked with the Scottish Roads Partnership to deliver our programme at a time when there is other planned work on the A8 to minimise disruption.

“We are sure the refurbishment of this widely recognised landmark structure will be welcomed.

Motorway Improvements project manager Graeme Reid added: “The new M8 has significantly reduced traffic flow on the A8.

“While the contraflow is in place, resurfacing of the newly aligned A8 will take place.”