M8 Junction 3 Off-slip | Bridge Works

The M8 Junction 3 eastbound off-slip will be closed between 20:00 and 06:00 on the night of Tuesday 6 May, as part of the ongoing major project to refurbish the bridge carrying the motorway slip road over the A899.

Since February 2023, Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland has been carrying out major maintenance works on this bridge. Works to strengthen the abutments of the structure have now been completed along with concrete repairs and installation of cathodic protection. A lane closure has been in place on the slip road since November.

A full overnight closure is now required to remove a temporary safety barrier from the slip road, so that it can be fully reopened.

During this closure, a signed diversion will be in place with traffic heading to Livingston instead directed to leave the M8 at Junction 3A, and follow Carnegie Road, Deans Road and the A89 eastbound to join the A899 Livingston Road at Dechmont Roundabout. This will add less than one mile and typically less than five minutes to journey times.

Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.

Dave Bishop, BEAR Scotland Unit Bridges Manager, said: “Major works to maintain the structural integrity of this bridge have progressed well.

“We are now ready to remove the temporary safety barrier on the M8 eastbound off slip at junction 3 and reopen the slip road fully.

“We thank the local community for their patience over the past two years during these essential works.”

Consultation has been carried out with relevant stakeholders to make them aware of the plans in advance.