MOTORISTS have been advised that more disruption is on the way as the next stage of work is set to begin on the £500million project at the Raith Interchange.

Works will begin over the next two weekends to upgrade the Bothwell Bridge junction with the mini roundabout to be replaced by a three-way traffic light system.

This will mean access to Bothwell and Hamilton from the M74 will be closed off with traffic reduced to one lane on approach to the Bothwell Bridge roundabout.

During the first weekend of scheduled works, Bellshill Road, the B7071, will be closed in both directions with no access to or from Bothwell, Hamilton to the M74 Junction 5 Raith or the A725.

This will begin from 8pm this Friday and last until 6am on Monday April 24. The A725 southbound carriageway through the Raith underpass will also be closed.

The second weekend of works will take place from 8pm on Friday April 28 to 6am on Monday May 1.

Only the southbound carriageway of Bellshill Road will be closed. As a result, there will be no access to Bothwell or Hamilton from the M74 Junction 5 Raith or the A725. Access from the M74 Junction 5 Raith to both the A725 Bellshill bypass and East Kilbride expressway will be maintained and diversions will be put in place.

Graeme Reid, project sponsor for the motorway improvements project, said: “These works are necessary as the mini roundabout near Bothwell Bridge is too small to cope with the volume of traffic trying to access and leave this major junction.

“The installation of new traffic signals will improve the flow of traffic to and from the local roads during peak times, as well as provide improved access through this junction for pedestrians.”

Thousands of drivers who have been affected by these works have been thanked for their patience.