• Pre-construction works completed
• Cantilever scaffolding erected successfully

The major programme of works to refurbish a bridge which is over 50 years old carrying a slip road off the M8 eastbound at Junction 3, Livingston, is progressing as planned.

The £1.4m upgrade of the reinforced concrete bridge in line with current standards, has required the extended closure of the slip road from February till July 2023. Prior to the slip road closure preparatory works, including surveys and trial pits, were completed under lane closures.

A complex, cantilevered scaffold access system has now been successfully erected on the bridge to provide sufficient safe working space to both edges of the bridge deck. The scaffold allows the project to be delivered within a shorter time frame compared to other approaches which would potentially have proved more disruptive. Now it’s in place, the scaffold also lessens the impact of the works on the local road, the A899, below the bridge.

Now the scaffold is in place, the key focus of the bridge refurbishment can get underway which includes:

• Replacement of defective concrete along the edge of the structure
• Extensive concrete repairs to piers, abutments and the underside of the deck
• Installation of a cathodic protection system to the bridge supports
• Installation of a cathodic protection system to the underside of the deck
• Replacement of leaking joints
• Installation of new parapets to current standards

The initial focus will be:

• Waterproofing of the working platform
• Progress with the removal of delaminated concrete
• Removal of existing parapets and mark up of parapet post locations.

Chris Tracey, BEAR Scotland South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “This major investment by Transport Scotland should reduce the need for future refurbishment. It’s good news that the project is on track. We thank road users for their patience while these essential improvements are delivered.”

Clearly signed diversion routes are maintaining access to Livingston from the M8 at all times, underlining that it is open for business and reflecting the town’s popularity as a commuter town between Edinburgh and Glasgow and its reputation as a prime shopping destination. There have been no significant traffic issues to date.

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 and the cathodic protection.

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.