Misery ahead as part of M8 closes for work

MOTORISTS are facing ten weeks of traffic misery after part of the M8 was closed for roadworks.

Last night transport chiefs began work to complete the ‘missing link’ on the main route between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

A new three-mile stretch of carriageway, which has already been built, will be connected to the existing motorway at Baillieston Interchange.

Transport bosses have warned that the works will cause ‘inevitable’ delays which will have a ‘significant’ impact on motorists using Scotland’s busiest motorway.

They are urging drivers to prepare for increased journey times. Speed restrictions have been in place in the area for months.

Graeme Reid, Transport Scotland project manager, said: ‘These scheduled works are a major milestone of the £500million investment in the main route between Scotland’s two largest cities, which will see the completion of the M8 between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

‘While delays are inevitable on a project of this scale and complexity, and the impact this has on the travelling public will be significant, these works are necessary to complete the M8 missing link.

‘Road users can look forward to realising the benefits of the new motorway when it fully opens to traffic upon completion of these works in spring 2017.’

The works between Baillieston Interchange and Eurocentral will involve removing 13,000m² of existing carriageway and 40,000m³ of earth. Then 1,500m (1,640yds) of drainage and 12,000 tons of blacktop surface material will be laid.

When the new M8 is open, the existing A8 will continue to be used by local traffic, separating local journeys from the strategic Glasgow and Edinburgh traffic.

Traffic volumes are expected to reduce by up to 25 per cent on the new motorway, improving journey times through the M8 corridor during peak periods by almost 20 minutes.

In the meantime, traffic will be diverted via the newly aligned A8 near Bargeddie.

An AA spokesman said: ‘It will probably be difficult for the first couple of days or so, then the regular users will get used to it.

‘The first piece of advice is be aware that there will be diversions and give yourself enough time for your journey. And keep your cool and your patience.’

The work is part of a larger project to upgrade the core of Scotland’s motorway network, which includes the M74 and M73.

This latest disruption comes only months after the temporary closure of a busy three-mile section of the M74.

At least 140,000 drivers faced tailbacks and delays as a result of the partial closure of the principal route between Scotland and England.

In November the M74, which is also one of the principal roads into Glasgow, was closed for twoand-a-half days so that a 50-yearold bridge crossing the motorway – giving access to only 30 residents – could be demolished.

Traffic Scotland said the bridge made it impossible for HGVs to pass in the newly constructed fourth lane and insisted the unprecedented closure was the only option available to solve the problem.

‘Keep your cool – and your patience’