Emergency works on the M8 Woodside Viaduct - information for drivers

Published: 16 March 2021

Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, is undertaking ongoing emergency maintenance on the bridges of the eastbound M8 Junctions 16 to Junction 17 Woodside Viaduct.

To ensure the safety of road workers and the travelling public, speed and lane restrictions have been implemented on the M8 for the full extent of these structures, and the associated slip roads at Junctions 16 and Junction 17 will be closed. Signed diversion routes are in operation, and access for emergency vehicles will be maintained throughout.

Diversion Routes

• Eastbound Junction 18 on slip diversion:Traffic will travel on the A804 St Georges Road to Phoenix Road, Dobbie's Loan to the Junction 16 eastbound on slip road.

• Eastbound Great Western Road on slip diversion: Traffic will travel via West Graham Street to Garscube Road then onto Dobbie's Loan to Junction 16 eastbound on slip road.
• Westbound Junction 15 on slip road diversion: Traffic will travel via Springburn Road, Royston Road, A804 Baird Street, Dobbie's Loan, Phoenix Road and then re-join at Junction 17 Westbound.
• Westbound off slip diversion: Traffic will travel via the Junction 19 off slip road to Argyle Street to North Street and follow signage.

Narrowed lanes have been introduced on the mainline of the M8 through the structures, but HGVs may want to consider using an alternative route at peak times due to these narrow sections.

Mark Arndt, Amey Operating Company, Representative for the Scottish South West Trunk Roads Unit, said: "A structural assessment of both the eastbound and westbound areas of the M8 Woodside Viaducts recommended action be taken immediately to address areas of structural deterioration at several locations.

"To prevent further deterioration on these areas of the structures we have instigated speed and lane restriction measures on the main eastbound and westbound carriageways of the M8 for the length of these structures.

"At the request of Transport Scotland, Amey is developing a programme of temporary propping works. These works are being designed and planned to allow, where possible both the removal of any temporary lane and speed restrictions as well as facilitating permanent structural refurbishment works for the full extent of these structures.

"There will be further progress updates available on our website  - swtrunkroads.scot - and via our Twitter account: @SWTrunkRoads. We also offer a free Road Work Alerts service that road users can sign up for on our website, providing up-to-the-minute updates on our work."

The traffic management and diversions have been planned in consultation with Transport Scotland, Traffic Scotland, Glasgow City Council and the emergency services.

George Vincent, Divisional Director, from Glasgow City Council, said: "Officers continue to work closely with our partners to minimise the effects of the M8 temporary works on the local Glasgow roads network.  Our traffic control centre, Traffcom, is monitoring the diversion routes and can implement alterations to our traffic signal plans to assist in the free flow of traffic if required."

A spokesperson, from Transport Scotland, said: "We were fully aware from our regular inspection regimes that the viaduct required to be repaired and we have been undertaking testing, inspection and load assessment to allow the full scope of that work to be completed.  Recent testing and inspection has indicated that this work is more immediate than originally anticipated.

"We have been working closely with all relevant stakeholders, planning the interim measures and repairs to minimise disruption."

Road users should plan their journey accordingly and allow extra time for travel or consider an alternative route.

A Traffic Scotland mini-site has been set-up where updated information relating to the M8 Woodside Viaduct works can be accessed here https://trafficscotland.org/tsgms02/

Please note, all schemes are weather dependent and may be cancelled or rescheduled if weather conditions are not favourable.

• Our operatives will follow strict physical distancing and hygiene protocols throughout the programme, in line with the Scottish Government's COVID-19 guidance.
• A free Road Work Alerts service is available from our website: https://swtrunkroads.scot/roadwork-alerts/ An email address is all that is required to sign up for the service.
• To report a problem on the network please visit: https://swtrunkroads.scot/report-a-problem/
• Real-time journey information can be obtained by visiting www.trafficscotland.org  or via Twitter: @TrafficScotland