A major road works project is to begin on the M8/A8 corridor later this month.

The 10-week scheme is part of the £500 million M8/M73/M74 Motorway Improvements Project and involves carrying out drainage, excavation and resurfacing works.

Features include removing 13,000m² of existing carriageway and 40,000m³ of earth to connect the new M8 to the existing M8 which is approximately five metres higher.

Following the excavation, 1,500m of drainage and 12,000 tonnes of blacktop will then be laid to complete the M8 ‘Missing Link’ and allow the new M8 between Baillieston Interchange and Eurocentral to open to traffic.

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In order to carry out the works safely, both east and westbound traffic on the M8/A8 will be diverted via the newly aligned A8 near Bargeddie from 8pm on Friday, 17 February.

Graeme Reid, Transport Scotland Project Manager for the £500m improvements project, said: "The M8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvements Project is a very significant investment in the Central Scotland motorway network which will greatly reduce congestion and boost the economy.

"These scheduled works are a major milestone of the £500m investment in the main route between Scotland’s two largest cities, which will see the completion of the M8 between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

"Whilst delays are inevitable on a project of this scale and complexity, and the impact this has on the travelling public is regrettable,  these works are necessary to complete the M8 Missing Link, and road users can  look forward to realising the benefits of the new motorway when it fully opens to traffic upon completion of these works in Spring 2017."

(LM)