BEAR Scotland, Transport Scotland’s operating company, is set to resurface 0.65 kilometres of the M8 westbound carriageway and on-slip at Junction 5.
To allow the works to be carried out safely, the westbound M8 will be closed from Junction 5 to Junction 6A from 20:30 until 06:00 each night from Monday 29 July to Friday 2 August and from Monday 5 August to Friday 9 August.
During the works a clearly signed diversion route will be in place from M8 Junction 5 to Junction 6A, via the B7057, B7066 and A8. This diversion will add approximately five minutes and 0.3 miles to affected journeys.
To allow sufficient cooling time for the material, the M8 Junction 5 westbound on-slip and lane 2 of the adjacent main carriageway will also be closed during the day on Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 July. The hard shoulder will be utilised to ensure two lanes remain open to traffic on the M8 at all times.
During this daytime slip road closure, a diversion route for traffic wishing to join the M8 westbound will be in place, directing traffic to travel eastbound on the M8 to turn at Junction 4A and return westbound. This diversion will add approximately ten minutes and 9.0 miles to affected journeys.
Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.
Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s South East Network Manager, said: “These surfacing improvements will improve the road quality and safety for motorists using this section of the M8.
“We’ve planned the works to take place at night to minimise disruption, however daytime slip road closures are required due to the depth of material being replaced, which needs time to cool.
“If you need to join the M8 at this location on 30 or 31 July, our advice is to plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey.”
Consultation has been carried out with emergency services and other relevant stakeholders to share information about the project in advance.
All works are weather dependent and subject to postponement in the event of adverse conditions.
Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland at www.traffic.gov.scot, or on X at @trafficscotland.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
