MOTORWAY bosses have pledged disruption will be kept to a minim during an extensive road upgrade.

But drivers are still warned to leave plenty of time for journeys as Juntion 30 of the M8 is resurfaced.

The six week programme of work will start on Friday, August 24 and require the motorway to operate under contraflow.

Work will begin on the westbound carriageway before switching eastbound after approximately three weeks.

Scotland TranServ’s Network Bridges Manager Brian Laurie said: "Following investigations, issues with the waterproofing course of the M8 at Junction 30 were identified as causing defects on the motorway road surface.

"A significant programme of work is required to address the issue.

"We will be working around the clock to deliver this project, however, we need favourable weather conditions in order to make steady progress throughout.

"The project will deliver long-term protection of the structure and improvements to the carriageway in this area, connecting with recently resurfaced stretches of the motorway.

"In the long-term, works will help to increase the lifetime of the supporting structure."

A lengthy period of design and planning has already been carried out, with Scotland TranServ consulting a number of agencies in order to keep disruption to a minimum.

Rebecca Macdonald, Scotland TranServ’s Assistant Engineer said: "This is a significant programme of works, which will require our contractors to strip back the motorway at this section, remove the existing membrane, carry out deck repairs and install new waterproofing before rebuilding the road and completing the resurfacing.

"Additionally, we will install a new high containment barrier to provide adequate protection to the bridge piers which support the M8 slip road above the carriageway at Junction 30.

"Scotland TranServ has worked extensively with local authorities, emergency services, elected members and major stakeholders in the organisation of these works.

"We have specifically programmed the project to start after the peak holiday period and before the October week.

"We were also conscious of avoiding the Glasgow 2018 games."

Motorists are advised to allow plenty of extra time for their journey, particularly during peak periods.

Special provisions have been made for Emergency Service vehicles.

Live journey-time monitoring will also be carried out during the scheme.

Current travel information and estimated journey times are available on my.trafficscotland.org or by following @trafficscotland

On behalf of Transport Scotland, Scotland TranServ is delivering an important programme of work to improve South West Scotland’s trunk road infrastructure, supporting the economic growth and development of our communities.

Andy Fraser, Scotland TranServ’s Operating Company Representative added: “It is a constant challenge to balance the need to maintain the M8, Scotland’s busiest road, whilst reducing the impact of our works on motorists.

"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.”