The M8 slip-road at West Lothian is set to be closed for nine days, starting from 9pm on Thursday December 5. This closure is part of an ongoing major project to refurbish the bridge that carries the motorway slip road over the A899. The eastbound off-slip at M8 Junction 3 Livingston will be affected by this closure. During this period, access to the slip road will be unavailable, and traffic heading to Livingston will be redirected to leave the M8 at Junction 3A before the works area.
Drivers will then be guided to follow a diversion route along Carnegie Road, Deans Road, and the A89 eastbound to join the A899 Livingston Road at Dechmont Roundabout. While this detour may add less than a mile and typically less than five minutes to journey times, longer delays are expected during peak hours. It’s important to note that westbound motorway traffic on the M8 will not be impacted by this closure.
Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland has been conducting maintenance works on the bridge since February 2023. David Bishop, BEAR Scotland Unit Bridges Manager, noted that unforeseen issues necessitated the closure to strengthen certain areas of the structure. Despite the inconvenience, efforts are being made to minimize the duration of the slip road closure.
Consultations with stakeholders have been carried out to inform them of these plans in advance. Real-time journey updates are available via Traffic Scotland on www.traffic.gov.scot or on social media at @trafficscotland.
In conclusion, the closure of the M8 slip-road at West Lothian for nine days poses a temporary inconvenience for drivers, but it is essential for ensuring the safety and integrity of the bridge structure. Despite the challenges, measures are being taken to mitigate traffic disruptions and complete the necessary repair works efficiently.