UPDATE 12 December 2024: The M8 Junction 3 eastbound off-slip will reopen tonight, no later than 05:00, with strengthening works on track to be completed two days earlier than initially expected.

• Eastbound off-slip closed from 5 December 2024 for approximately 9 days

The eastbound off-slip at M8 Junction 3 Livingston will be closed for approximately nine days from 21:00 on Thursday 5 December, as part of the ongoing major project to refurbish the bridge carrying the motorway slip road over the A899.

Access to the slip road will be unavailable during this period, with traffic heading to Livingston instead being directed to leave the M8 at Junction 3A, prior to where the works are taking place. The diversion will then follow Carnegie Road, Deans Road and the A89 eastbound to join the A899 Livingston Road at Dechmont Roundabout. This will add less than one mile and typically less than five minutes to journey times – although longer delays can be expected during peak times. Westbound motorway traffic on the M8 will not be affected.

Since February 2023, Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland has been carrying out major maintenance works on this bridge, and successfully completed the previous phase of works at the central pier last month.

David Bishop, BEAR Scotland Unit Bridges Manager, said: “Since commencing concrete repair works at the bridge abutments, we have identified areas that have not been constructed to the required standards when the bridge was originally built. It is therefore necessary to close the bridge to traffic while these areas of the structure are strengthened.

“We don’t take the decision to close roads lightly, especially at this time of year, however it is necessary in this instance to ensure the safety of road users during these works. The issue we have identified could not have been foreseen, however with the support of our supply chain we have been able to mobilise the necessary repair works quickly.

“We are extremely grateful to motorists, the local community and businesses for their patience and understanding, and can assure them that we will be working as hard as possible to keep the duration of the slip road closure to a minimum.”

Consultation has been carried out with relevant stakeholders to make them aware of the plans in advance.

Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland at www.traffic.gov.scot or on X at @trafficscotland.