M74 delays will last 17 weeks
Commuters are braced for 17 weeks of roadworks on the M74.
Traffic will continue to run in both directions, but the speed limit will be reduced to 40mph.
The £1.8m programme is for the M74 supporting piers located on the A723 between Motherwell and Hamilton.
Scotland TranServ will carry out the work as part of Transport Scotland’s strategic trunk road maintenance programme.
Bunmi Adedire, Scotland TranServ’s senior network bridges engineer said: “Scotland TranServ is working in consultation with local authorities, emergency services and key stakeholders in the scheduling of this essential programme of work.
“The project will involve the construction of three metre high in-situ reinforced concrete collars above ground level within the central reservation, and the installation of additional vehicle barriers on the adjacent piers located on the verges.
“These will provide increased protection of the supporting piers. These new in-situ collars will be installed at two locations on the A723. In total, there will be provision of column protection on four structures, including supports on the verges and central reservation.”
And the 17-week programme will be carried out in two phases.
The first phase will run from Sunday, October 13, until Saturday, November 30.
Road bosses saying the works will then stop ahead of the busy Christmas shopping period.
Phase two will begin on Sunday, January 12, running until Sunday, March 15.
The works will be carried out under a managed programme of lane closures, with two lanes running in each direction and remaining open at all times.
Suitable measures are proposed to provide vehicle breakdown recovery within the works area.
To protect the health and safety of our and the public, the speed limit through the work area will also be reduced to 40mph.
And the road bosses says “appropriate traffic and pedestrian management” will be in place on the A723 between Motherwell and Hamilton. It is possible that some night-time total closures, particularly at the M74 off-slips, may be required to facilitate safe working – though these are to be kept to a minimum.
Drivers using the A723 and M74 Junction 6 are advised to allow some additional time for their journeys.
Billy Troup, Scotland TranServ’s bridges manager added: “This programme of work is being scheduled for delivery with maximum efficiency and minimal disruption.
“Across South West Scotland, we’re working on behalf of Transport Scotland to prioritise such road maintenance issues and deliver our road surface improvement projects as quickly and safely as possible.”
Live trunk road information is available by visiting trafficscotland. org, or by following @trafficscotland on Twitter. Additional project information is available on the Scotland TranServ website.