M9 BRIDGE WORKS BETWEEN JUNCTIONS 3 AND 4

June 5, 2025

Update 5 August 2025: The M9 eastbound will now remain open on the night of Friday 8 August, with a single lane of traffic running in a contraflow.
Update 24 July 25: Due to unforeseen circumstances on site, the M9 will be closed eastbound overnight tonight between Junctions 3 and 4 and will reopen at 6am. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
M9 will be closed eastbound between junction 3 and 4 from 20:00 to 06:00 as part of the ongoing major programme to refurbish the deck of the bridge carrying the M9 motorway over Bonsyde Road near Linlithgow, which started at the end of June 2025.  
The closure on 25 July is one of a series of overnight closures to allow for the installation of temporary safety barriers to ensure the safety of the traveling public and the workforce. Traffic will be diverted as follows during the overnight closure.
  • Eastbound – Traffic will be directed to leave the M9 at Junction 5 and follow the A905 and the A904, then A993 through Bo’ness, then follow the A804, and the A903 to re-join the M9 at junction 3.  This will add an estimated 1.5 miles and add ten minutes to journey times.
The works, which are expected to continue for several months, are largely being carried out under continuous alternative lane closures using a contraflow traffic management arrangement with a 40mph speed limit. Two lanes of traffic are being retained in each direction.
The local road underneath the bridge will not be affected by the works.
Provisional dates for further closures include:
  • 8 August eastbound road closure between 20:00 and 06:00.
  • 3 September eastbound road closure between 20:00 and 06:00.
  • 4 September full closure both directions between 20:00 and 06:00.
These dates may be subject to minor changes during the progress of works.

  • Overnight road closure in both directions 30 June 2025

  • Reduced speed limit and lane restrictions for three months from 1 July 2025

A major programme of works to refurbish the deck of a bridge carrying the M9 motorway over Bonsyde Road near Linlithgow is due to commence on Monday 30 June.

The works are expected to last for three months and will require lane restrictions on the M9 between Junctions 3 and 4 as well as a series of overnight closures.

The hard shoulders of the motorway will be used to ensure that two lanes in each direction remain open to traffic, however a 40mph speed limit with continuous alternative lane closures and a contraflow will be in place throughout the works.

The first overnight closure is planned for the night of Monday 30 June between 20:00 and 06:00. A diversion route will be signposted in both directions between Junctions 3 and 5, via the A904, the A993 through Bo’ness, the A904 and A803, adding an estimated 1.5 miles and ten minutes to journey times.

Details of further overnight closures will be announced when timings are confirmed.

The local road underneath the bridge will not be affected by the works.

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

David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “This programme of refurbishment is essential to preserve the structural integrity of this bridge and extend its service life for decades to come.

“The works have been planned to minimise disruption to road users as far as possible. Although a reduced speed limit and lane restrictions will be in place, we’ll keep two lanes open in each direction and do not expect traffic to experience significant delays.

“Some overnight closures are however unavoidable, to allow for the installation and removal of temporary safety barriers.

“We’re grateful to motorists for their patience and understanding.”

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

All works are weather dependent and subject to postponement or cancellation in the event of adverse conditions.

Back To Latest News