THOUSANDS of motorists are to be stopped in their tracks at one of the busiest roundabouts in Lanarkshire.

Traffic lights are being introduced at Shawhead Roundabout on the outskirts of Coatbridge on the A725.

The roundabout, which is near to the Strathclyde Business Park, is notorious for congestion.

More than 36,000 motorists use the junction mid-week to access the M8, Coatbridge and East Kilbride.

Today highway officials at Amey revealed how they have teamed up with North Lanarkshire Council officials and the business park owners to share the £330,000 cost of installing traffic lights to better manage vehicles in an attempt to reduce delays.

Amey officials claim traffic lights will address the "high level of congestion", especially during peak hours. The new lights will be switched on after the morning rush hour next Friday.

Unit manager Colin Mackenzie said: "A full assessment will be undertaken to ensure the lights are in perfect working order and the traffic is running to expectations.

"Once this has been passed the signals will remain in continuous operation."

Thousands of people are employed in businesses which operate from Strathclyde Business Park.

Today's announcement comes after the Evening Times told last night how motorists face a double dose of misery.

Access to the Glasgow Fort from Junction 10 on the M8 westbound will be closed from 10pm tonight until 9am on Sunday for resurfacing work.

And extensive repairs to the Shotts Bridge will cause delays over two months.