Roadworks - M8 at Glasgow Airport

27 January 2007 for planned 15 weeks. 40mph temporary speed limit.

Phase two of major improvements to White Cart Viaduct – part of the M8 motorway at Glasgow Airport – will begin during the weekend of Saturday 27 January 2007 for a planned period of 15 weeks.  A temporary speed limit of 40mph will be in force for road safety and a SPECS safety camera system will operate throughout.

The SPECS average speed camera system, which was used at works on the M8, M74 and A90 last year, also has major benefits in reducing delays by improving the flow of traffic.  As the compliance rate associated with SPECS is continually high, it is hoped that the system will identify little or no offenders.

Jim Gilmour of Amey, the company who manage the M8 motorway for Transport Scotland explains:
“Last year, whilst the vast majority of drivers adhered to the speed limit, a small minority chose to disregard road user and workforce safety.  Based on experience and research we’re confidant that by using SPECS this year at White Cart we’ll impact on congestion and increase safety.  Amey will monitor journey times and flows throughout the project”

Numerous road signs on all approaches to the site will warn drivers of the speed controlled zone, including a speed activated LED sign alerting ’40-SLOW DOWN’ and even further signs throughout the camera area.

During the 15-week improvement scheme major bridge joints will be replaced, the road surface across the six lanes of the structure will be removed, the bridge deck rewaterproofed and finally the road surface re-laid.  Phase one, which was completed in 2006, saw vital improvements to lighting and safety barriers.

Billy Minto, Transport Scotland Major Bridges Manager, said:
“The White Cart Viaduct is a key part of Scotland’s motorway network, carrying a vital section of the M8.  The programme of works on the viaduct is essential to ensure that it continues to operate effectively in the long-term.  We are investing substantially in this section of the network and ask drivers to bear with us while this work is carried out.”

Gladys Cadden of the Strathclyde Safety Camera Partnership said:The purpose of the safety cameras is not to catch speeders but to discourage drivers from exceeding the temporary speed limit within the roadworks, which is there for the safety of construction workers and all other road users. This particular camera system monitors speed throughout the length of the roadworks, which makes it particularly effective. It is clearly signposted and we hope that motorists will take care.