Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland has announced six overnight closures of the B7057 bridge that carries the M8 Junction 5 eastbound off-slip and on-slip over the motorway near Shotts, in order to complete a programme of refurbishment that has been in progress since September.
The B7057 bridge will be closed in both directions on the night of Tuesday 22 November to allow resurfacing works to be completed.
It will then be closed between 20:00 and 06:00 for five nights from Monday 28 November to Friday 2 December, to allow expansion joints to be replaced.
During these closures, eastbound traffic on the M8 wishing to exit at Junction 5 will be directed to continue onwards to turn at Junction 4A and return westbound to exit at Junction 5. Traffic wishing to join the M8 eastbound at Junction 5 will be directed to follow the M8 westbound to turn at Junction 6.
The remainder of the works are being carried out using lane closures only, with traffic on the B7057 bridge controlled by temporary traffic lights 24 hours a day until Tuesday 22 November.
Chris Tracey, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “We’ve completed as much of the refurbishment programme as possible using lane closures only, however it is essential for the safety of road users and the workforce that we close the B7057 bridge during the works taking place on these six nights.
“We’re grateful to road users and the local community for their patience and understanding.”
Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead before setting out by checking the Traffic Scotland website www.traffic.gov.scot for up-to-date travel information and allowing extra time for their journey.
All work is weather dependent and subject to postponement in the event of adverse conditions.