• As part of the ongoing project the local route will close for 17 days, 27 July – 12 Aug

The ongoing major refurbishment of the bridge carrying the B792 local road between Blackburn and Bathgate over the M8, which began in May, requires the full closure of the B792 for seventeen days between 27 July and 12 August 2025.

Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland is having to close the route for this limited period within the wider ongoing programme to allow extensive repairs to be undertaken safely before the end of the school holidays.

The B792 will be fully closed in both directions from Riddochill Road on the south side of the bridge to the nearest access approximately 80m north of the bridge, with local access available up to these closure points.  During this period of closure, signed diversion routes will be in place:

• Northbound traffic will be diverted west along Main Street towards Whitburn, turning right on to the A801 northbound, continuing to the Boghead roundabout and taking the A7066 exit at the roundabout from where the diversion will end. This will add an estimated 5 miles and 11 minutes to affected journeys.
• Southbound traffic will be diverted west along the A7066, taking the first exit at the Boghead roundabout to head south onto the A801, then turning left onto Main Street towards Blackburn, where the diversion will end. This will add an estimated 4.5 miles and 10 minutes to affected journeys.

A contraflow remains in place on the M8 between Junctions 3A and 4 with a 40mph speed restriction.

David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East unit Bridges Manager, said: “This bridge requires extensive refurbishment to ensure it can continue to provide safe and reliable service for decades to come.

“The main instigator for this project was impact damage to the steel beams caused by an over-height vehicle in February 2024, which weakened the structure. Through risk management measures we have been able to avoid closing the B792 to traffic since this impact damage occurred. We had hoped to be able to repair the structure with temporary traffic lights in place, in order to minimise disruption to users of the B792.  Unfortunately, now that we have closer access to the underside of the structure, it has become apparent that the condition is worse than had been anticipated.

“The emergency closure of the B792 is necessary now to address these specific issues that have become apparent since the project started.

“We thank road users in advance for their patience and understanding during these essential works.”

The refurbishment programme includes steelwork repairs to damaged beams, concrete repairs, installation of cathodic protection to increase the longevity of concrete elements, and repainting of all existing steelwork.

Consultation has been carried out with relevant stakeholders including West Lothian Council and emergency services to make them aware of the plans in advance.

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