Road to nowhere… crumbling motorway viaduct could spark traffic mayhem in Glasgow
By CLAIRE ELLIOT FOR THE SCOTTISH DAILY MAIL
Published: 20:43, 26 February 2026 | Updated: 20:43, 26 February 2026
A crumbling section of Scotland's busiest motorway could be demolished in a 'hammer-blow' for motorists.
Commuters have already faced five years of travel misery after work to strengthen the ageing Woodside viaducts on the M8 north of Glasgow[1] city centre began in 2021.
The temporary repairs were expected to be completed more than two years ago but 'significant challenges' and delays have pushed the date back to next year, with lane restrictions remaining in place.
Transport Scotland is now considering three proposals to permanently fix the motorway section, including repairing, replacing and removing it completely, with the options varying in cost from around GBP125million to GBP500million.
The estimated timescale also varies from one to four years, meaning motorists could face at least another five years of disruption on a section of road that carries around 150,000 vehicles a day.
Glasgow Tory[2] MSP Annie Wells said commuters were 'sick of hellish traffic jams and delays' and called on SNP[3] ministers to 'get their act together and ensure that motorists have a road they can actually use'.
She said: 'Closure of the M8 would be a hammer blow to Glaswegians and yet another example of a disastrous SNP transport project.
Road works on the M8 Motorway to repair Woodside Viaduct
The repairs could result in traffic being sent on a lengthy diversion
'Anyone who uses this part of the motorway knows what a nightmare it is - and not just at rush hour.
'The SNP pledged to complete this upgrade by 2023, but in true Nationalist fashion costs have spiralled and now this ageing stretch of road may be permanently closed.'
The removal of the bridges, which were originally completed in 1971, would be the cheapest option with an estimated cost of less than GBP125million and take the least amount of time, with M8 traffic rerouted onto the M74 and Glasgow's local road network.
The option to repair, at an estimated cost of between GBP125million and GBP200million would take one to three years.
The most expensive proposal would be to replace the viaducts at a cost of between GBP200million and GBP500million, with the project likely to take four to five years to complete.
Transport Scotland said this would involve 'constructing new structures to modern design standards, improving road layouts, durability, and increasing safety for road users'.
It added: 'Where possible, existing elements such as foundations and columns would be reused to reduce costs and improve sustainability.'
But bosses stressed this plan would have a 'high carbon footprint' and there would be 'significant traffic disruption to all road users expected during demolition and construction work'.
Transport Scotland said it was now 'assessing' options that would 'ensure the long-term future for this vital stretch of Scotland's Trunk Road Network' and described it as a 'priority project'.
Public feedback should be submitted by no later than March 25.
SNPGlasgow[4][5]