Motorists traveling between Glasgow and Edinburgh will face significant disruptions this week as major resurfacing works on the M8 motorway get underway. The work, which will take place between Junctions 4A and 5 at Polkemmet, near Whitburn, is expected to lead to long delays and restrictions on the busy route.
According to Bear Scotland, the company managing the project, drivers are advised to plan for significant inconvenience, particularly during overnight closures from March 22 to March 25.
The resurfacing work, one of three major projects scheduled for the coming months, is part of a broader initiative to enhance the motorway’s infrastructure.
With a single-lane restriction on the eastbound carriageway 24 hours a day, the work aims to improve safety and prolong the road’s usability. It is essential for all road users to take note of these upcoming changes to avoid delays during peak travel times.
Resurfacing and Overnight Closures
According to Bear Scotland‘s South East Network Manager, Tommy Deans, the resurfacing project at Polkemmet will involve deeper and more comprehensive works than usual, meaning the overnight closures will extend over four continuous days.
These closures will restrict traffic to a single lane on the eastbound side of the motorway, resulting in slower travel and longer journey times.
Deans explained that while Bear Scotland generally carries out disruptive works during overnight hours to minimise traffic impact, the scale of the Polkemmet resurfacing project has necessitated extended closures.
This means commuters, particularly those heading east from Glasgow towards Edinburgh, will experience interruptions during their evening and early morning commutes.
Bridge Refurbishment to Add Further Delays
Beyond the resurfacing project, additional disruptions will occur between April 4 and April 7, when bridge refurbishment works are scheduled between Shotts and Newhouse. These works will reduce traffic to a single lane in both directions.
This is expected to add to the congestion on the motorway, especially for those travelling in either direction. The bridge refurbishments are part of an ongoing effort to maintain the road’s long-term safety and ensure the continued reliability of the M8.
Deans highlighted that while these works are disruptive, they are necessary for the long-term safety and reliability of the M8’s infrastructure. The dual efforts of resurfacing and bridge repairs reflect the ongoing need for investment in road maintenance to sustain Scotland’s vital transport routes.
The upcoming works on the M8 are a reminder of the challenges faced by busy transport corridors in maintaining safe and reliable infrastructure. Commuters will need to be patient and plan their journeys carefully to avoid disruptions.
