Motorists are being advised to expect delays on the M74 and on the A725 at Shawhead Junction from Thursday 30th June, for approximately 2 months, as part of the £500m M8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvements Project as two major construction activities commence.
Following completion of the bridges over Raith Junction 5, the existing M74 contraflow between the off and on slips, will be replaced by new temporary traffic management to allow the construction of a new accommodation bridge (Bothwellpark Road Bridge) over the M74 motorway, to the north of Junction 5, Raith.
The new contraflow will be in operation between Bothwell Service Station and Junction 5 Raith. During the day, the M74 will be reduced to two narrow lanes in each direction, while at night, one carriageway will be reduced to one lane. The existing 50mph speed limit restriction will remain in place, enforced by average speed safety cameras.
As a result of these works, the northbound on-slip and southbound off-slip at Junction 5 Raith, and the on and off-slip roads to Bothwell Services will be closed at night from time to time. Motorists are advised to check the Transport Scotland website for further details on these closures.
In addition to the works on the M74, Kirkshaws Road on the A725, Coatbridge will be closed for approximately 4 weeks, followed by a further 4 week closure of Hagmill Road, Coatbridge. These works will commence on Thursday 30th June, and have been planned to coincide with the school holidays when traffic will be lighter.
This traffic management is necessary to allow the existing A725 Kirkshaws Road and Hagmill Road to be widened and improved.
Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the works and a free shuttle bus will provide transportation to and from North Road to a temporary bus stop on Whifflet Street. Signed diversions will be in place on all approaches to provide road users with alternative routes.
A spokesman for Scottish Road Partnership, the contractor responsible for delivering the works said: “These works have been scheduled to take place during the school summer holiday period when traffic volumes are traditionally lighter.
“Whilst we’re doing everything we can to minimise the disruption, delays will be inevitable, so we’re asking motorists to check the Transport Scotland and Traffic Scotland websites for updates, to plan their journeys in advance and to look at taking an alternative route if possible.”
Traffic management layouts change regularly, therefore road users are advised to routinely check the Transport Scotland website and the Traffic Scotland website for live updates; www.transportscotland.gov.uk and www.trafficscotland.org
