Emergency works on M8 motorway cause major delays
The maintenance is taking place at the eastbound M8 Junctions 16 to 17 at the Woodside Viaduct.
Emergency works are taking place on the bridges of the M8 Woodside Viaduct this morning.
Amey is carrying out the works on behalf of Transport Scotland.
The maintenance concerns the eastbound M8 Junctions 16 to 17 at the Woodside Viaduct.
The works have caused major tailbacks due to speed and lane restrictions and slip roads for Junction 16 and 17 being closed.
Affected Routes
• Eastbound Junction 18 on slip diversion: Traffic will travel on the A804 St Georges Road to Phoenix Road, Dobbie’s Loan to the Junction 16 eastbound on slip road.
• Eastbound Great Western Road on slip diversion: Traffic will travel via West Graham Street to Garscube Road then onto Dobbie’s Loan to Junction 16 eastbound on slip road.
• Westbound Junction 15 on slip road diversion: Traffic will travel via Springburn Road, Royston Road, A804 Baird Street, Dobbie’s Loan, Phoenix Road and then re-join at Junction 17 Westbound.
• Westbound off slip diversion: Traffic will travel via the Junction 19 off slip road to Argyle Street to North Street and follow signage.
Mark Arndt, Amey Operating Company, Representative for the Scottish South West Trunk Roads Unit, said: "A structural assessment of both the eastbound and westbound areas of the M8 Woodside Viaducts recommended action be taken immediately to address areas of structural deterioration at several locations.
"To prevent further deterioration on these areas of the structures we have instigated speed and lane restriction measures on the main eastbound and westbound carriageways of the M8 for the length of these structures.
"At the request of Transport Scotland, Amey is developing a programme of temporary propping works.
"These works are being designed and planned to allow, where possible both the removal of any temporary lane and speed restrictions as well as facilitating permanent structural refurbishment works for the full extent of these structures."
The traffic management and diversions have been planned in consultation with Transport Scotland, Traffic Scotland, Glasgow City Council and the emergency services.
George Vincent, Divisional Director, from Glasgow City Council, said: "Officers continue to work closely with our partners to minimise the effects of the M8 temporary works on the local Glasgow roads network.
"Our traffic control centre, Traffcom, is monitoring the diversion routes and can implement alterations to our traffic signal plans to assist in the free flow of traffic if required."
A spokesperson, from Transport Scotland, said: "We were fully aware from our regular inspection regimes that the viaduct required to be repaired and we have been undertaking testing, inspection and load assessment to allow the full scope of that work to be completed.
"Recent testing and inspection has indicated that this work is more immediate than originally anticipated.
"We have been working closely with all relevant stakeholders, planning the interim measures and repairs to minimise disruption."
Road users should plan their journey accordingly and allow extra time for travel or consider an alternative route.