M8: Road closures announced ahead of month-long bridge works on M8 near Blackburn

BEAR Scotland, the operating company carrying out the project, said the work over the A801 at junction four, the Whitburn Interchange, will start on Monday 19 and run for four weeks.

The repairs will see full overnight closures of the A801 northbound on January 28, 29 and 30 January and February 2, lasting from 8pm to 6am.

BEAR said all slip roads and approaches to the roundabout will remain open.

A four-mile diversion has been put in place for westbound traffic on the M8 exiting to join the A801 northbound. Drivers will be directed to remain on the M8 and turn at junction 4A, Heartlands, returning via the M8 eastbound to exit at the junction four eastbound off-slip.

Diversion routes will also be signposted for traffic wishing to join the A801 from the A705, Main Street.

As well as the overnight closures, BEAR said the inside lane of the Whitburn Interchange roundabout will be closed continuously for the full duration of the repair works,

David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “This programme of localised strengthening work is key to ensuring the structural integrity of this bridge.

“The works have been planned to minimise disruption to road users as far as possible, however some delays are to be expected, especially during peak times.

“Some full closures of the northbound side of the roundabout are unavoidable, in the interests of the safety of motorists and our workforce. These will be limited to overnight hours to minimise any disruption.

“We thank road users in advance for their patience and understanding while our teams carry out these essential works and would ask them to fully comply with traffic restrictions to ensure our workers can go home safely to their families each day.”