DRIVERS using the M8 to travel between Helensburgh and Glasgow have been warned allow plenty of extra time for their journeys due to roadworks on the trunk route near the Erskine Bridge.

A six-week contraflow will be put in place on the motorway at junction 30 (Erskine Bridge) from Friday, August 24 for waterproofing and resurfacing work – though the company has warned that "favourable weather conditions" will be needed to ensure it's able to make steady progress with the repairs.

Work will be carried out on the westbound carriageway first, before switching to the eastbound section after around three weeks.

Brian Laurie, Scotland TranServ’s network bridges manager, said: “Following investigations, issues with the waterproofing course of the M8 at Junction 30 were identified as causing defects on the motorway road surface.

"A significant programme of work is required to address the issue.

"We will be working around the clock to deliver this project, however, we need favourable weather conditions in order to make steady progress throughout.

“The project will deliver long-term protection of the structure and improvements to the carriageway in this area, connecting with recently resurfaced stretches of the motorway (1.1km total). In the long-term, works will help to increase the lifetime of the supporting structure.”

Rebecca Macdonald, Scotland TranServ’s assistant engineer, said: “This is a significant programme of works which will require our contractors to strip back the motorway at this section, remove the existing membrane, carry out deck repairs and install new waterproofing before rebuilding the road and completing the resurfacing.

"Additionally, we will install a new high containment barrier to provide adequate protection to the bridge piers which support the M8 slip road above the carriageway at Junction 30.

“Scotland TranServ has worked extensively with local authorities, emergency services, elected members and major stakeholders in the organisation of these works. We have specifically programmed the project to start after the peak holiday period and before the October week. We were also conscious of avoiding the Glasgow 2018 games.”

Motorists are advised to allow plenty of extra time for their journey, particularly during peak periods.

Special provisions have been made for Emergency Service vehicles. Live journey-time monitoring will also be carried out during the scheme. Current travel information and estimated journey times are available on my.trafficscotland.org or by following @trafficscotland on Twitter.

Andy Fraser, Scotland TranServ’s operating company representative added: “It is a constant challenge to balance the need to maintain the M8, Scotland’s busiest road, whilst reducing the impact of our works on motorists.

"It is our aim to deliver these long-term benefits to commuters, businesses and tourists visiting our area, with maximum efficiency and minimal disruption throughout.”