THE M8 will be completely shut off to motorists three times in the next few weeks to allow a new footbridge to be installed.

 

Work will get underway this weekend to install the £2.5million bridge at Hillington, between junctions 26 and 27.

It means the motorway will be closed to traffic from 8pm on Saturday night to 9am on Sunday morning.

Two further overnight closures will take place on Saturday April 11 and Saturday April 18.

Traffic will will be re-directed westbound through Hillington and Paisley, rejoining the M8 at Arkleston.

Motorists traveling eastbound will exit at Arkleston before rejoining the M8 again at Hillington.

Although the existing footbridge will remain open throughout the closure, pedestrians and cyclists will be escorted across the bridge by site staff.

Scotland TranServ is currently overseeing the works which are being carried out by Graham Construction.The project is expected to last until mid April.

Gordon Wilson, contract director for Scotland TranServ said: "This is an important element of the project which will see the installation of the modern, new structure which connects Hillington to Renfrew.

"The safety of motorists, local residents and our engineers is of the utmost priority and it is vital that we carry out this process under a total, overnight closure when traffic flows are lighter; therefore ensuring that delays are minimal."

The current bridge will be replaced by a new structure which is partly made of recycled materials and offers improved access for cyclists and less-abled pedestrians.