A £10 million contract to strengthen the M8 White Cart Viaduct has been announced by Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson.

The 12 month contract, which will be undertaken by BAM Nuttall on behalf of Transport Scotland, includes strengthening, maintenance and refurbishment works on the current bridge. The work is set to start this summer and will extend the life and reliability of the viaduct for years to come.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said: “I am pleased to announce the award of this £10.6 million investment to bring the M8 White Cart Viaduct in line with today’s traffic demands.

“The M8 is a vital link in our strategic road network, and this bridge is now over 30 years old and requires strengthening to bring it in line with modern standards. This section is used by over 80,000 vehicles daily, and once completed these improvements will benefit motorists with a superior, safer route.

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“The Scottish Government is committed to improving transport links across Scotland and it is pleasing to note that the works will be starting shortly on this key west Scotland route.”

The works, which will strengthen girders, replace the eastbound carriageway expansion joints, install new lighting and improve drainage, will mainly take place inside and underneath the bridge.

When finished, the 40mph speed limit, which was established with the narrow lanes in 2007 to reduce the effects of extra weight on the bridge, will also be lifted and the original lane markings reinstated over the viaduct.

These works to strengthen the viaduct complete a detailed programme of assessment and investigation of the supporting steel superstructure. The design will extend the life of the viaduct to support traffic for the foreseeable future and enable the work to be carried out whilst the viaduct remains in service for traffic.

(GK)