M8 Junction 4 | Bridge Repairs
Works to strengthen the bridge carrying the M8 over the A801 at Junction 4, Whitburn Interchange, are set to begin on Monday 19 January 2026.
Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland will carry out the project, which is anticipated to last for approximately four weeks and will require various phases of traffic management, including full closures of the A801 northbound on various nights.
For the safety of workers and road users, the northbound arm of the roundabout conveying the A801 below the M8 is planned to be closed on the nights of 28, 29 and 30 January and again on the night of Monday 2 February, between the hours of 20:00 and 06:00. Use of all slip roads and approaches to the roundabout will be unaffected.
Traffic on the M8 westbound wishing to exit at Junction 4 and join the A801 northbound will be directed to remain on the M8 westbound and turn at Junction 4A, Heartlands, returning via the M8 eastbound to exit via the Junction 4 eastbound off-slip, from where they can join the A801. This diversion will add an estimated 4 miles and 4 minutes to affected journeys.
Diversion routes will also be signposted for traffic wishing to join the A801 from the A705, Main Street:
- Westbound traffic on the A705 will be directed to continue past the turn for the A801, and at the end of West Main Street in Whitburn turn right on to Polkemmet Road. Then at the roundabout they will be directed to take the third exit on to the B7066 before turning left on to Armadale Road and then taking the second exit onto the A706 at Whitdale Roundabout before joining the A801 at Boghead Roundabout, adding an estimated 4 miles and 9 minutes to affected journeys.
- Eastbound traffic on the A705 will be directed to continue past the turn for the A801 until reaching Toll Roundabout, from where they will be directed to take the first exit onto the A779 Starlaw Road, continuing over two roundabouts before taking the first exit at Boghall Roundabout onto the A7066 Starlaw Road and joining the A801 at Boghead Roundabout, adding an estimated 7 miles and 14 minutes to affected journeys.
Outwith these full closures, the inside lane of the Whitburn Interchange roundabout below the M8 will be closed continuously for the full duration of the works.
Consultation has taken place with relevant stakeholders in advance of these works to make them aware of the traffic management arrangements and to minimise any inconvenience.
David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “This programme of localised strengthening work is key to ensuring the structural integrity of this bridge.
“The works have been planned to minimise disruption to road users as far as possible, however some delays are to be expected, especially during peak times.
“Some full closures of the northbound side of the roundabout are unavoidable, in the interests of the safety of motorists and our workforce. These will be limited to overnight hours to minimise any disruption.
“We thank road users in advance for their patience and understanding while our teams carry out these essential works and would ask them to fully comply with traffic restrictions to ensure our workers can go home safely to their families each day.”
How to get the latest travel and traffic information
For full information on roadworks on trunk roads in the north-west and south-east of Scotland, visit the Bear Scotland website.
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