Glasgow’s M8 is set to undergo nine months of road works, estimated to cost £10m, to address ‘critical issues’.
Junction 26 is expected to be refurbished and receive structural upgrades, including ‘significant repairs and upgrades’ to four key bridge structures, according to Amey, the contractor undertaking the works on behalf of Transport Scotland.
The affected bridges are Hillington Interchange East, Hillington Interchange West, Hillington Rail and Hillington Slip - all built in the 1960s and now needing work.
The ‘critical issues’ include the surfaces, while the existing edge parapets and central reservation barriers are in poor condition and not compliant with current standards, the BBC has reported.
The work is expected to be carried out over five phases between September 2025 and May 2026, although there is a planned break from 18 December 2025 until 5 January 2026 to avoid delays during the holiday period.
Amey also notes that ‘all dates are indicative and subject to change pending final programming and conditions’ and that all confirmed details will be shared ‘through official communications’.
The works are scheduled to take place as follows:
- Phase 1: Eastbound Closure – Lanes 2 and 3 and Junction 26 Eastbound Onslip (8 September – 1 October 2025) – This will see the closure of eastbound lanes 2 and 3, including full closure of the Junction 26 eastbound onslip. Traffic will be maintained via contraflow and narrowed lanes, with a temporary diversion via junctions 25a and 24.
- Phase 2: Eastbound Closure – Lanes 1 and 2 and Junction 26 Eastbound onslip (2 October – 14 December 2025) – There will be eastbound closures of lanes 1 and 2 on the M8 mainline, with the contraflow arrangement continuing to manage traffic. The Junction 26 eastbound onslip will remain closed.
- Phase 3: Central Reserve Works – Lane 3 in both directions (15 – 18 December 2025) - Lane 3 will be closed in both eastbound and westbound directions to facilitate central barrier upgrades.
- Phase 3 (continued): Central Reserve Works – Lane 3 in both directions (6 January – 8 February 2026) - Lane 3 will be closed in both eastbound and westbound directions to facilitate central barrier upgrades.
- Phase 4: Westbound Closure – Lanes 2 and 3 and Junction 26 Westbound offslip night closure with one weekend closure (9 February – 2 March 2026) – Works will take place in the westbound direction with contraflow setup. Night-time closure of Junction 26 westbound offslip and single weekend total closure.
- Phase 5: Westbound Closure – Lanes 1 and 2 and Junction 26 Westbound offslip night closure with one weekend closure (3 March – 10 May 2026) – This will see the continuation of night-time closure of Junction 26 westbound offslip and contraflow in westbound lanes 1 and 2.
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