Challenges encountered at M8 Woodside Viaducts
Update to expected temporary repair completion date
The date for completing the temporary repair to the Woodside Viaduct and removing traffic management from the Eastbound carriageway is now scheduled for Autumn 2026 with the Westbound carriageway scheduled for the second half of 2027.
Amey, undertaking work on behalf of Transport Scotland, are working to overcome previously unknown challenges at the site, coupled with ongoing work to control previously known risks. These include the strengthening of the triangular crossheads which support the viaducts at their western end and the associated propping steelwork, both of which have been more complicated than anticipated. The need to avoid loading the SPT tunnels has introduced an unusual level of complexity and has resulted in delays to propping both the Eastbound and Westbound viaducts.
Most significantly, an existing sewer, adjacent to the SPT tunnel at the western end of the viaducts, was found to be in a different location than expected. This has slowed progress to the temporary propping in this location and, despite mitigation measures already in place, is impacting the completion of the Westbound viaduct propping.
The revised date remains subject to no further adverse conditions or unforeseen challenges. The cost range for the project remains between £126 and £152 million.
Transport Scotland’s Director of Major Projects, Lawrence Shackman said:
“I understand the completion of these works is keenly anticipated by M8 road users and the local community, not least to lessen the impacts from its construction. I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding to date and assure them that Transport Scotland continues to robustly engage with the contractor, Amey, to deliver the work as quickly and safely as possible, whilst keeping the motorway open to the 150,000 vehicles who use it daily.
“Despite facing significant challenges, the project has made substantial progress with temporary props installed at 13 pier locations out of 23. In addition, ten of the temporary props have been jacked to assist with supporting the carriageway and taking the load.
“The location of the motorway through a busy, built-up city has meant this project has always been technically complex and presented a number of challenges, notwithstanding dealing with 23 supports that all require individual propping designs to take account of the varying column heights, span lengths and widths. The project has been continuously hampered by inaccurate records of utility apparatus as well as the recent discovery of an uncharted sewer buried deep underground leading to delays and additional work.
“Amey continues to face significant challenges, and the latest information now indicates an anticipated date for full completion of the work allowing traffic management to be removed in the second half of 2027. Due to the nature of the work, they are continuing to work towards opening the Eastbound carriageway in Autumn 2026.”
How to get the latest travel and traffic information
Visit our homepage and use the map and its route checker to view any live and future disruptions that may impact your journey.
Listen to the Traffic Scotland Radio for the latest national and regional traffic and travel updates.
Follow us on X @trafficscotland for real-time updates on the Trunk Road Network.