Engineering Concerns Prompt Consideration of Demolishing Part of M8
Demolishing a section of Scotland's busiest motorway in Glasgow is one of three options being evaluated due to the deterioration of two elevated bridges.
Temporary work on the Woodside Viaducts, which carry the M8 on the north side of the Kingston Bridge, has been ongoing for several years at a cost of £152 million.
Transport Scotland is currently consulting on options for a more permanent solution, with the least expensive option being the removal of that section of the motorway entirely and rerouting traffic via the M74.
The other two options under consideration are either repairing or replacing the viaducts, both of which would be more costly and require a longer timeframe.
Details of the Woodside Viaducts and Current Condition
The viaducts, located at Junction 16 Craighall and Junction 17 Charing Cross, were completed in 1971 and now carry approximately 150,000 vehicles daily along the northern edge of Glasgow city centre.
Since 2021, they have been supported by extensive temporary propping after engineers identified serious deterioration in the load-bearing structures.
While these temporary measures have allowed the motorway to remain open, they have resulted in reduced lane capacity and lowered speed limits.
Transport Scotland has stated that these temporary works are not a viable long-term solution due to ongoing maintenance requirements and the significant space occupied by the supporting props.
Options Under Strategic Review
As part of its strategic review, Transport Scotland is considering three main options: repairing the viaducts, replacing them entirely, or removing them altogether.
Removal would necessitate closing part of the M8, with all through-traffic rerouted via the M74 on the south side of Glasgow.
Officials estimate that removal would cost less than £125 million and take between one and two years to complete.
However, a report has noted that the M74 is already operating near capacity, raising concerns about its ability to accommodate the additional diverted traffic.
Repairing the viaducts is estimated to cost between £125 million and £200 million and could take up to three years to complete.
The most expensive option is full replacement of the viaducts, with costs estimated between £200 million and £500 million and a potential duration of up to four years.
Potential Impacts and Public Consultation
Transport Scotland has acknowledged that removing a section of the motorway would likely cause significant disruption, with major impacts on congestion, journey times, and the resilience of the wider road network.
"We are keen to hear the thoughts of the local communities and road users on the permanent solution for the M8 Woodside Viaducts project.
Public engagement events are being held to provide local communities and road users with the opportunity to learn more and to share their feedback on the options."
