Motorway roadwork delays could get worse
Drivers warned of significant delays while overhead gantries are replaced
Drivers are being warned to expect significant delays on the M74, M73 and M8 from next Monday (8th August) as work begins to remove existing and install the new motorway gantries, as part of the £500m M8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvements Project.
Major traffic management is required along central Scotland’s motorway network to ensure these works are carried out safely. This includes reducing the carriageway to two lanes in each direction and, at times, will result in the closure of various slip roads on the M8, M73 and M74.
The works to remove and install the new gantries are scheduled to begin on the following dates:
M74 – northbound and southbound between Junction 2A, Fullarton and Junction 6, Hamilton from 8th August 2016 for approximately 3 months
M73 – northbound and southbound between Junction 1, Maryville to Junction 2, Baillieston, from mid –September for approximately 6 weeks
M8 – north and southbound from Junction 10, Easterhouse to Junction 8, Baillieston, from mid-August for approximately 4 months
Graeme Reid, Project Manager for the M8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvements Project, said:
“Transport Scotland is working with the contractor to ensure these works are completed as quickly as possible. Whilst we’re doing everything we can to minimise the disruption, delays will be inevitable, so we’re asking motorists to check the Transport Scotland and Traffic Scotland websites for updates on these key routes, to plan their journeys in advance and to look at taking an alternative route if possible.”
When complete, the M8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvements Project will significantly reduce congestion across the central Scotland motorway network, shaving approximately 20 minutes off the daily commute from Glasgow to Edinburgh.
Traffic management layouts change regularly; therefore road users are advised to routinely check the Transport Scotland website and the Traffic Scotland website for live updates; www.transportscotland.gov.uk and www.trafficscotland.org