• Overnight slip road closure for preparatory works 14 April 2021

• Eight weeks of traffic restrictions from Sunday 18 April 2021

A major project to upgrade safety barriers protecting the supports of bridges crossing the M8 at Junction 3 Livingston is set to begin later this month.

Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland will carry out the works over eight weeks. Preparatory works will be carried out on the night of Wednesday 14 April and the main works will commence on the night of Sunday 18 April. The project is programmed for completion by the morning of Friday 11 June.

For the safety of road workers and the travelling public, the following traffic restrictions will be required:

• The eastbound on-slip at M8 Junction 3 will be closed from 20:30 until 06:00 on the night of Wednesday 14 April. A diversion will be signposted via the eastbound A89 to Newbridge.
• From Sunday night to Thursday night each week from 18 April until 11 June, traffic at M8 Junction 3 will be restricted to a single lane in each direction between the hours of 20:30 and 06:00. A reduced speed limit will be in force 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Each night from Thursday 20 May until Thursday 10 June, the eastbound on-slip at M8 Junction 3 will also be closed from 20:30 until 06:00. A diversion will be signposted via the eastbound A89 to Newbridge.

Additional overnight closures will be required to set up and remove the traffic management system.

Consultation has taken place with all relevant stakeholders in advance of these works to make them aware of the traffic management arrangements.

All personnel on site will be subject to strict physical distancing protocols in line with Scottish Government guidance. Thorough risk assessments have been developed and cleansing stations will be implemented on site.

Chris Tracey, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “The existing barriers protecting the supports of the bridges at M8 Junction 3 do not meet current standards. Additional protection is required to ensure that they could withstand a potential impact from a heavy vehicle.

“A great deal of planning has been carried out to minimise the disruption caused while these essential safety upgrades are completed. Speed restrictions are essential for the safety of road workers and motorists, however we’ve planned all works that require lane and slip road closures to take place during night-time hours.

“We thank motorists in advance for their patience and encourage them to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journey and check the Traffic Scotland website and Twitter account for live travel information.”