As part of Transport Scotland’s strategic trunk road maintenance programme, Scotland TranServ will resurface 1.2kilometres of the M898 Southbound between the Erskine Bridge and the M8.
In order for the £400k project to be carried out as quickly and safely as possible, it will be necessary to close this section of the southbound carriageway of the M898 for the duration of the weekend beginning 8pm Friday 30th November until 6am Monday 3rd December.
James McLean, Scotland TranServ’s Principal Network Design Engineer said:
“This is an important trunk road connecting a number of communities with Glasgow and the central belt. In order to keep disruption to a minimum for the 40,000 commuters and freight drivers using the route every weekday, we’re proposing to carry out work over the weekend. Works have also been specifically scheduled outwith the peak tourism season, avoiding school holiday periods and ahead of the winter.
“To complete such an extensive resurfacing programme, while minimising the impact, we will require the full weekend. The short programme of work has been developed in consultation with emergency services, key stakeholders, elected members and local authorities. Views have been sought from these organisations and considered during scheduling of the project.”
There will be a diversion route in place but drivers are urged to consider alternative transport plans for that weekend. Our specialist traffic modelling contractor is forecasting severe delays in the region of two hours affecting the A82 Southbound. The A726, M8 at St James Interchange and the surrounding communities of Bishopton, Inchinnan, Renfrew, Erskine, Dumbarton, Old Kilpatrick, Bowling, Milton, Clydebank and Bearsden are also expected to be extremely congested. M898 Northbound traffic will not be affected by the works throughout the duration of the weekend.
Special arrangements have been made for emergency services’ vehicles to pass through the works if necessary. The project is being widely promoted through radio and newspaper advertising, social media, websites, and the distribution of postcards and posters at key locations.
Paul Lynch, Scotland TranServ’s Network Manager added:
“The carriageway is deteriorating rapidly and to avoid the necessity of an unplanned repair programme, it is better that we can act now, with support from local authorities, stakeholders and emergency services to carefully schedule these works to minimise impacts as far as possible on the surrounding communities and businesses.
“Our advice to drivers is to avoid the affected routes during that weekend, seek alternative travel arrangements, or use public transport where possible. Our expert traffic modelling contractor is predicting severe delays, and we would urge drivers to heed all such warnings.”
Live trunk road updates are available by following @trafficscotland on Twitter or visiting trafficscotland.org . Further details on an alternative route are available on the Scotland TranServ website.
Scotland TranServ is delivering an important programme of work to improve South West Scotland’s trunk road infrastructure on behalf of Transport Scotland, supporting the economic growth and development of our communities. The M898 is a major route and provides a vital link connecting Dumbarton, Clydebank and communities further afield with the M8, Glasgow and the central belt. It is widely used by thousands of commuters each weekday.
Andy Fraser, Scotland TranServ’s Operating Company Representative added:
“It is our aim to deliver these long-term benefits to commuters, businesses and tourists visiting our area, with maximum efficiency and minimal disruption throughout. It is a constant challenge, to balance the need to maintain the M898, while reducing the impact of our works on motorists.”