Motorists using M8 in West Lothian told to expect delays as bridge refurbishment begins

Motorists using the M8 in West Lothian have been told to expect delays as major roadworks begin this weekend.

Drivers using the busy motorway on the weekends of May 8-11 and May 15-18 are advised to expect long delays and consider alternative routes, with BEAR Scotland planning major refurbishment works on a bridge carrying the motorway over the River Almond near Whitburn.

Contraflow will be in operation on this stretch of the M8 near Whitburn for the next two weekends. | Google Maps

A contraflow will be in place on the M8 between Junctions 3A and 4A on each of these weekends, with traffic restricted to a single lane in both directions between 8.30pm on Friday evening and 6am on Monday morning. A reduced speed limit of 40mph will be in force.

During the first weekend contraflow, the M8 Junction 4 eastbound off-slip will be closed. During the second weekend contraflow, the M8 Junction 4 westbound on-slip and off-slip will be closed.

Map showing the affected section of the M8. | Bear Scotland

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David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “The project to refurbish and re-waterproof this bridge is essential to ensuring that it continues to provide a safe and reliable service for years to come. This should reduce the need for reactive closures of the M8 to repair defects caused by underlying bridge deck issues.

“The full extent of concrete repairs required will not be known until the existing surfacing is removed, however every effort will be made to ensure that the M8 is fully open to traffic each Monday morning at the end of the weekend working.

“These works are also weather dependent and so could be postponed and rearranged at short notice depending on weather forecasts.

“We thank motorists in advance for their patience and understanding. Our advice is to check the latest travel updates, allow extra travel time for journeys, and consider using alternative routes during weekend contraflows.”

If weekend works have to be postponed due to poor weather, the planned contraflow and slip road closures will take place on the weekend of June 5-8 instead.

Consultation has been carried out with emergency services and other relevant stakeholders to share information about this project in advance.