Glasgow's M8 set for nine months of roadworks

Drivers using the M8, the country’s busiest motorway, are being warned to expect lengthy disruption as major repair works begin at Junction 26.

From Monday, a £10 million improvement programme will get underway, lasting until May next year, with only a short pause during the Christmas and New Year period. More than 150,000 vehicles travel this stretch of the M8 every day, making it one of the most heavily used routes in Scotland.

The project focuses on four bridges at Junction 26, built in 1968, which now require significant upgrades due to wear and tear. Potholes, failing joints, and outdated safety barriers have led to repeated emergency repairs in recent years. Engineers will now carry out full resurfacing, waterproofing, barrier replacement, and strengthening works to ensure the motorway continues to meet modern safety standards.

Although two lanes will remain open in both directions, lane restrictions and slip-road closures will be unavoidable during the different stages of the project.

How the Work Will Be Carried Out

The M8 improvements will take place in five phases:

• Phase 1 (September – October): Contraflow in place, with lane restrictions and closure of the eastbound on-slip.

• Phase 2 (October – December): Continued eastbound lane closures, with the on-slip remaining closed.

• Phase 3 (December – February): Replacement of safety barriers, with lane closures in both directions; a short break will occur over the festive period.

• Phase 4 (February – March): Westbound lane closures, including overnight and weekend restrictions on the off-slip.

• Phase 5 (March – May): Final resurfacing and structural strengthening, with ongoing overnight closures.

  
  

Speed Restrictions on the M8

To keep workers and road users safe, temporary average speed cameras will enforce a 40mph limit along the affected section of the M8. Traffic modelling suggests delays of around six minutes off-peak and up to 15 minutes during rush hour, though heavier congestion is anticipated during Phases 4 and 5.

Why the M8 Upgrade is Essential

Transport officials stress that this investment is crucial to maintaining the long-term safety and reliability of the M8. Without these works, the risk of unplanned closures and severe disruption would only increase.

Other Ongoing M8 Projects

The Junction 26 scheme forms part of a wider programme of maintenance along the M8. Separate works include resurfacing near Charing Cross, footbridge improvements, and ongoing repairs to the Woodside Viaduct, which are not expected to be fully completed until 2027.