The initial phase of major works to refurbish the reinforced concrete bridge carrying the slip road off the M8 eastbound at Junction 3, Livingston, is substantially complete with the slip road reopened to traffic, on programme, from 28 July 2023.
Since the slip road was closed in February, BEAR Scotland has undertaken significant repair works to the structure, which is over 50 years old. Extensive repairs were undertaken on the concrete edge beams from a complex cantilevered scaffold system sitting on the bridge deck.
The original parapets have been replaced with new parapets to current standards. The waterproofing to the concrete deck has also been renewed in parallel with improvements to the deck drainage system. These interventions extend the serviceable life of the bridge.
Inclement weather during the final week of works has meant that replacement of the final joint cannot be completed before the slip road reopens. These works require a further full closure of the slip road for the safety of the workforce and road users, however they will be completed overnight to minimise disruption. The exact date for this overnight closure will be advised nearer the time.
To maximise the works undertaken during the slip road closure, BEAR Scotland has undertaken additional works including concrete repairs and waterproofing replacement on the bridge further along the slip road, that crosses over the M8. Lighting columns along the slip road have also been replaced.
Chris Tracey, BEAR Scotland South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “The works on top of the bridge have gone well. It is really good news that we have reopened the slip road to traffic on time. By maximising the works undertaken while the slip road was closed, including refurbishing a second bridge and replacing lighting columns along the route, we have reduced the likelihood of future slip road closures being required. We appreciate the patience of road users while the slip road was closed.”
The bridge bearings below deck level, which have been in place since the bridge was built in 1970, must now be replaced. The bridge bearings should allow the bridge to expand and contract with temperature changes, but have reached the end of their serviceable life. This phase of the bridge refurbishment means that works will continue until 2024.
The bearing replacement works will start in August and will improve the long-term resilience of the structure. During this phase the A899 will need to be restricted to a single lane of traffic in both directions between the Dechmont and Livingston East roundabouts. This is to protect the temporary props and jacks that will support the bridge after the existing bearings are removed and until the new bearings are in place. It is estimated that the restrictions on the A899 will be in place until April 2024.
In addition, a single overnight closure of the slip road will be required when the bridge is lifted off of its current bearings with a further single overnight closure required when lowering back down onto its new bearings. Timings for these closures will be advised nearer the time.
Chris Tracey explains: “It is essential that new bearings are installed so that the bridge can work effectively for years to come. This should reduce the need for future refurbishment on this structure. We thank road users for their ongoing patience while these essential improvements are delivered.”
Up-to-date project information is available on the BEAR Scotland website here.
BEAR Scotland is leading this project as part of its responsibility for the South East Trunk Road Network on behalf of Transport Scotland. Specialist contractor Freyssinet is responsible for the delivery of key elements of the project, including the concrete refurbishment, bearing replacement and the cathodic protection.
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