Concerns have been raised that crippling tailbacks caused by repairs to the M8 Woodside Viaduct in Glasgow could last four years - two years longer than originally anticipated.
Permanent repairs to the viaduct's supporting pillars have sparked months of long delays for motorists, with the repairs having narrowed the motorway - a mile north of the Kingston Bridge - from four lanes to two since March of 2021.
Speed restrictions are also in place for motorists, while slip road entry points and exit points of the M8 also closed to traffic.
Amey, who are undertaking the works on behalf of Transport Scotland, said in October last year the works are expected to be complete in autumn 2023, which will then allow for removal of the current M8 lane restrictions.
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Councillor Ken Andrew told protest group Replace The M8 that the viaduct 'worse shape than previously thought', with additional repairs meaning that the existing traffic management could be in place until as late as 2025.
He said: "The bad news is that the Woodside Viaduct is in worse shape than previously thought and the contractor Amey has indicated that up to sixty supporting pillars will have to be replaced or reinforced.
"This means that our local M8 off and off ramps at J17 will be closed for four years in instead of two."
In response, Amey have told Glasgow Live that projections indicate the repairs works will be complete by November 2023.
However, they did admit that further investigatory work, which may identify further repairs needed, could "influence timings".
A spokesperson for Amey, the company undertaking the M8 Woodside Viaducts work, on behalf of Transport Scotland, said: “In 2021, structural inspections of the M8 Woodside Viaducts J16-J17 indicated that the 50-year-old structures required repair, and since then a programme of investigation, piling and the installation of high-level support works (props) has been taking place.
"This work will allow more extensive repairs to take place. Temporary traffic restrictions on the M8 and beneath the structures on A804 Phoenix Road have been put in place for the safety of road workers and the travelling public.
“Current projections show the propping works being complete by November 2023. These timings are based on current projections of the condition of the viaducts and on the issues identified to date. Further investigations may influence timings, as designs are subject to review if - as more exposure of the structures takes place - further repairs are identified and programmed.
"We will continue to communicate any changes to our programme and timings of the work via our regular channels, which include our website – www.swtrunkroads.scot – our free Roadwork Alerts email service, our social media channels on Twitter and Facebook @SWtrunkroads and via our stakeholder partners including Glasgow City Council, the emergency services and Traffic Scotland.
"We thank road users for their continued patience and understanding while this essential work is taking place.”
