Article Source: South Lanarkshire Council
Last Updated: 26 October 2016 13:22
Significant delays are expected on the M74 and surrounding roads when the motorway will be closed to traffic in both directions between Junction 4 Maryville and Junction 5 Raith from 8pm on Friday 18 November to 6am on Monday 21 November 2016.
This closure is required to safely demolish Bothwellpark Road Bridge as part of the M8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvements Project.
The bridge, located to the north of M74 Junction 5, Raith, is the final structure to be demolished as part of this £500m infrastructure improvement project which is being delivered by Scottish Roads Partnership (SRP) on behalf of Transport Scotland.
Graeme Reid, Transport Scotland Project Manager for the M8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvements Project, said: “This is the most significant road closure we have implemented as part of the works and we are anticipating major delays on all approaches, the surrounding roads and the main diversion route.
“We are advising road users to plan their journey, avoid the area and surrounding local roads, and if possible, to use alternative modes of transport for the weekend.”
The weekend closure will result in no access from the M73 to the M74 southbound at Junction 4 Maryville or to the M74 northbound at Junction 5, Raith.
Signed diversion routes will be in place via the A725, A8 and the M73, although Transport Scotland is warning road users to expect major delays on all surrounding routes as a result of the M74 closure.
Graeme added: “On a typical weekend we can expect to see as many as 140,000 vehicles using this main arterial route, and we fully appreciate the disruption this will cause. Together with our contractor (SRP), we have been liaising with key stakeholders including the emergency services and local authorities to minimise the disruption and complete these works as quickly as possible.
“However, we need road users to play their part by avoiding the area where possible and using alternative modes of transport to keep traffic levels on the diversion route to an absolute minimum.”
Gabriel Valtueña-Ramos, General Manager of SRP, said: “We considered a range of options to undertake the demolition of the bridge and following extensive consultation with stakeholders, it was determined that the weekend closure was the most efficient solution in terms of reducing disruption to road users.”
Motorists will continue to have access to the M74 southbound at Junction 5 Raith, and the the M74 northbound at Junctions 4 Maryville and 3A Daldowie, however, there will be no access to Bothwell Services from the M74 southbound. The next available service area is the M74 southbound at Junction 11, Happendon and Junction 13, Abington.
In a bid to reduce local traffic congestion, the council has promoted a parking restriction on a short section of Main Street, Bothwell, for the duration of the weekend closure and traffic signals will be monitored at key junctions on the surrounding roads network to improve traffic flows.
In addition, Scotrail is anticipating increased passenger numbers on Lanarkshire railway services and is providing extra capacity on the trains for the weekend.
When complete, the M8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvements Project will significantly reduce congestion across the central Scotland motorway network, shaving approximately 20 minutes off the daily commute from Glasgow to Edinburgh and 15 minutes through Raith Junction 5.
A spectacular multimedia show celebrating Vincent van Gogh's life and stunning artworks is coming to Glasgow this summer!
READ MORESocial Bite has taken a significant step forward in its mission with permission granted yesterday from South Lanarkshire Council on a proposed Social Bite Village in Rutherglen.
READ MORENational Theatre of Scotland launches a new interactive map for Scotland to demonstrate its love for the Big Yin, inviting people to share their own Billy Connolly memories.
READ MORETouring Scotland from June, the cast is announced for Hen Night Horror, an original musical comedy that promises to put the willies right up ye!
READ MOREAldi Scotland's popular 'Best Home Bar' competition has returned for another year, with a year's supply of beer up for grabs!
READ MOREPaisley Food and Drink Festival returns to the town this weekend for a two-day feastival with plenty for everyone to sample and enjoy.
READ MOREWith a staggering 14 million adults in the UK unable to swim, the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework has launched a new campaign to encourage adults in Scotland to learn the life skill.
READ MORE34.2 million Brits admit to ditching work and responsibilities for sporting events.
READ MORENow in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.
READ MORESummerlee Museum of Industrial life welcomed its four millionth visitor since opening its doors in 1988.
READ MOREAmazonia, Scotland's popular temperature controlled tropical indoor forest, has launched a new butterfly experience.
READ MORELatest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.
READ MORECalling all golfers! Topgolf Glasgow is hosting 'The Final Round – Live' on Sunday 14th April, it's an unmissable event to celebrate golf's most prestigious tournament!
READ MOREThe Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.
READ MOREThis year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.
READ MOREM&D's is to host a free weekend for comic fans and movie buffs at Scotland's Theme Park with the chance to meet a packed line-up of favourite characters!
READ MORELanark Amateur Musical Society (LAMS) have raised £1000 for Cancer Research UK as part of their 2024 charity partnership.
READ MOREAirdrie Town Hall will reopen in April as an entertainment and arts venue, following its use in recent years by NHS Lanarkshire.
READ MOREBothwell Castle, one of medieval Scotland's most outstanding monuments, has reopened to visitors.
READ MOREHistoric Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
READ MOREJoin Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.
READ MORENoughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!
READ MOREGP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.
READ MOREDobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.
READ MOREThe search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.
READ MOREThis year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.
READ MOREA host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.
READ MOREFrom an Easter Egg-stravaganza on Easter Sunday to high-tech golf games suitable for all the family, Topgolf Glasgow is a must-visit destination during the half-term break.
READ MORESpring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"