Drivers warned of disruption with roadworks on M8

Drivers have been warned that major improvement works on the M8 motorway between Glasgow and Edinburgh will cause long delays throughout spring.

Resurfacing at Polkemmet, near Whitburn in West Lothian, between Junctions 5 and 4A has been delayed until 6 May, having been originally scheduled for 22-25 March.

A series of overnight carriageway closures will be required and, from 10-13 May, the M8 eastbound will be restricted to a single lane 24 hours a day.

From 4 to 7 April, traffic in North Lanarkshire between Shotts and Newhouse will also be reduced to a single lane in both directions for bridge refurbishments.

Nightly restrictions will be in place for bridge works at the Junction 3 Eastbound slip road from 24 - 28 March and the M8 westbound will be closed for resurfacing at Junction 3 from 20:30 to 06:00 on weekdays from 31 March - 11 April.

Tommy Deans, Bear Scotland's South East network manager, urged drivers to expect delays and adjust their travel plans accordingly while the "major projects" are carried out.

"We usually carry out disruptive works overnight, however the resurfacing project at Polkemmet will be significantly deeper and more comprehensive than normal, therefore we need to close the carriageway for four continuous days," he said.

"Likewise, closures and restrictions will be essential in order to keep drivers and workers safe during major works at Longacre Bridge and the B792 bridge."

Mr Deans stressed that while the work was disruptive, it was necessary to ensure the long-term safety and reliability of the motorway infrastructure.

Similar work was completed on the westbound side of the bridge last October.

A major project to refurbish the bridge carrying the B792 over the M8 will cause traffic restrictions on both the M8 and B792 for up to four months, starting on 19 May.

These will include lane closures, contraflow, speed limits, and overnight closures.