BEAR Scotland has announces that essential structural inspection and investigation works are continuing on the M80 at Junction 4a Low Wood and A8011 Glasgow Road to allow teams to assess the condition of the bridges.

Lane restrictions over the three M80 structures around Junction 4a Low Wood were implemented last year, as recommended by a structural assessment, and further investigation works have since been underway to fully assess the condition of the overbridges to ensure that the structures are in a safe condition to be used by all traffic.

Additional investigations are now set to get underway from Monday 14 February and are expected to be carried out over nine consecutive nights between 8pm and 6am each night.

To allow these works to be carried out safely and effectively, the M80 southbound and northbound carriageways will be closed during working hours on alternate nights starting with a southbound closure between Junction 6 Old Inns and Junction 4a Low Wood, followed by a northbound closure between Junction 4a Low Woods and Junction 5 Auchenkilns.

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There will also be a closure of the eastbound slip road spur to the A8011 (Cumbernauld) on Wednesday 16 February, Sunday 20 February, Monday 21 February and Tuesday 22 February.

Signed diversions will be in place each night as required. There will be no restrictions to traffic on the M80 during the day outwith these times.

Carnie Morrison, Highway Management (Scotland) Limited General Manager, said: "For safety, lane restrictions on the A8011 Glasgow Road have been in place since last year as a means of reducing the traffic loading on the bridges, and to allow structural engineers to safely access the structures.

"It is hoped that the additional inspections planned to begin on Monday 14 February will determine whether further traffic restrictions and works will be required on the bridges or if the traffic management can be removed.

"The closures planned for the upcoming investigations are vital to ensure the safety of the workforce and motorists, however we will look to complete these investigation works as quickly and as safely as possible.

"We thank all road users for their patience while these essential investigation works are carried out and encourage motorists to plan their journeys in advance by checking the Traffic Scotland website for up to date journey information."

The structure investigation works are being carried out by MISTRAS Group Limited on behalf of Highway Management (Scotland) Limited. Works have been planned in consultation with Transport Scotland and North Lanarkshire Council.