• Full overnight closures of M9 northbound on 16 and 17 March 2024

• 24-hour lane restrictions for approximately six weeks

Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland is carrying out deck refurbishment and waterproofing works on Almond Bridge on the M9 motorway between Junction 1, Newbridge Roundabout, and Junction 1A, Kirkliston Interchange.

The works will take place on the northbound carriageway only for approximately six weeks, commencing on the night of Saturday 16 March. During this period the northbound M9 between Junctions 1 and 1A will be reduced from three lanes to two, with one reduced width lane, 24 hours a day. A 30mph speed limit will also be in force for the safety of the workforce.

Full overnight closures of the northbound M9 between Junctions 1 and 1A will be in place on the nights of Saturday 16 March and Sunday 17 March, between the hours of 21:30 and 06:00. During these hours the M8 Junction 2 westbound off-slip to the M9 will also be closed.

Signed diversion routes will be in place during these overnight closures, with northbound traffic directed to leave the M9 at Junction 1 Newbridge:

• Traffic that had been intending to join the M90 at Junction 1A will be directed to follow the A8, A902 and A90 to join the M90 at Junction 1 Scotstoun, adding an estimated 4 miles and 8 minutes to affected journeys
• Traffic that had been intending to remain on the M9 beyond Junction 1A will also be directed to follow the A8, A902 and A90, but should then take the A904 from M90 Junction 1A Queensferry to rejoin the M9 at Junction 2 Philipstoun, adding an estimated 1.6 miles and 8 minutes to affected journeys
• Traffic wishing to reach the M9 or M90 from Hermiston Gait will be directed to follow the A720, A902 and A90 to join the diversion routes above, adding an estimated 2 miles and 6 minutes to affected journeys.

Two further overnight closures will be required at the conclusion of the works, with dates to be advised once the condition of the existing concrete below surfacing and waterproofing level has been assessed.

Chris Tracey, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “These refurbishment works are required to safeguard the integrity of the bridge and improve safety and comfort for users of the M9 motorway that it carries.

“It is essential for the safety of road users and our workforce that we implement these traffic management measures during the works. To minimise disruption we have planned all elements of the works that require a full carriageway closure to be carried out overnight.  For the remainder of the works that require a reduction in the number of running lanes, we have undertaken a traffic impact assessment which shows that there should be no excessive delays.

“Some delays should, however, be expected during peak times.  We advise motorists to check live traffic information before travelling and we thank motorists and the local community in advance for their patience and understanding.”

Consultation has been carried out with emergency services and relevant stakeholders to share information about the works in advance.