Sections of the M8 and M9 motorways near Edinburgh will experience overnight closures later this month to facilitate the final stages of a £4million electricity network reinforcement project.

The closures are necessary for the safe removal of overhead power lines, following the installation of a new underground cable.

SP Energy Networks confirmed the M8 will be closed in both directions between junctions 2 (Claylands Interchange) and 3 (Dechmont Interchange) from 8:30pm on Saturday, 21 June, until 6:00am on Sunday, 22 June. Diversions will be in place, rerouting traffic via the A89.

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Additionally, the M9 eastbound at junction 2 (Philipstoun Interchange) will be closed to the M8 westbound off-slip, with traffic diverted via the eastbound M8.

The project involves the installation of a new underground cable, almost 4km in length, which replaces existing overhead lines that previously ran across the M8 motorway. With the new cable now in place, the overhead lines are redundant and can be removed.

Barry McDonald, Project Manager at SP Energy Networks, commented: "We're investing in our network to ensure our customers continue to enjoy a reliable and resilient electricity supply as demand increases and people make greener choices about how they travel or heat their homes.

"However, to complete the final stages of this major project, we need to close a section of the M8 temporarily so we can remove the overhead lines that are no longer required. To minimise any disruption, we're doing this at the weekend and overnight, when there is less traffic on the road.

"We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused and ask drivers to take this into account when planning their journeys."