Work is to begin on a railway bridge repairs and maintenance project on the A8 road.

Engineers will start carrying out strengthening works to the 'Cutty Sark' railway bridge from Monday, 05 June.

Features include strengthening the main girders and bridge deck, blast cleaning and repairing the metalwork, applying corrosion protection to steelwork, painting the entire bridge, repairing masonry and clearing adjacent vegetation.

To carry out the work safely, a contraflow system will be in place on the route for a 20-week period between the new A8/A89 roundabout and Bargeddie junction (A752).

Billy McKay, Network Rail programme manager, said: "We understand that this will be inconvenient for road users which is why we have worked with the Scottish Roads Partnership to deliver our programme at a time where there is other planned work on the A8 in order to minimise disruption.

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"Delivering this work, in 20 weeks is a logistical challenge but we have planned the job carefully with our contractors and will complete it with the minimum possible inconvenience.

"We are sure the refurbishment of this widely recognised landmark structure will be welcomed by the many people who have driven under it, or travelled over it by rail."

Graeme Reid, Project Manager for the M8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvements Project said: "The opening of the new M8 motorway in April has significantly reduced traffic flow on the A8 allowing these essential Network Rail works to be undertaken.

"While the contraflow is in place, Scottish Roads Partnership will take the opportunity to undertake resurfacing of the newly aligned A8 and Transport Scotland and Scottish Roads Partnership have worked in close collaboration with Network Rail to coordinate these works and minimise the overall impact on road users.

"It is an excellent example of joining up very different work programmes to deliver the maximum amount of activity while traffic management is in place on the road.

"The refurbishment of this well-known railway bridge will also contribute to the significant improvements being undertaken in this area as part of the M8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvements Project."

(LM)