M8 westbound carriageway to close overnight for bridge repairs

The M8's westbound carriageway will be shut overnight to allow for repairs to a bridge struck by an HGV earlier.

Traffic on the westbound M8 has been restricted to a single lane between Junctions 4A and 5 since 13:40, as a safety precaution following the incident near Harthill service station. It will completely close from 20:00 until 06:00 on Wednesday.

A signed diversion route will be in place, between Junctions 4A and 5, via the A801, the A706, the B7066 through Harthill, and the B7057.

Drivers are being warned to expect long delays on Wednesday morning as a result, with traffic likely to still be restricted to a single lane.

The diversion later is estimated to add an estimated 1.2 miles and five minutes to affected journeys.

David Bishop, the South East Bridges manager with roads maintenance firm BEAR Scotland, said drivers should expect lengthy delays on Wednesday.

He said: "This bridge over the M8 has been significantly damaged and needs to be made safe before the carriageway below can be fully reopened to traffic.

"Our team will be working through the night to carry out the necessary repairs and will do everything possible to get traffic flowing again as safely and quickly as possible.

"The carriageway will reopen tomorrow, however it's likely that a lane closure will still be in place while we complete repairs.

"Please expect long delays and avoid the route if you can. We're grateful to road users for their patience and understanding."

The B718 local road over the bridge remains open under temporary traffic lights.