THE M8 westbound will be closed later this evening due to major works being carried out on the Kingston Bridge.

The carriageway will be shut from 10.30pm to 6am tomorrow.

The M74 southbound will also be shut between these times.

Raynesway Construction Ltd will be upgrading the parapet of the bridge.

Three heavy concreate ground beams will be lifted into place and the new parapet will be anchored to these which have a combined weight of 24 tonnes.

Peter McCann, Scotland TranServ’s major bridges manager said: “This is a major milestone in the delivery of this project, as we prepare to switch from westbound working to eastbound.

"The health and safety of the travelling public, and of our workers and contractors is of paramount importance to Scotland TranServ and therefore it will be necessary to close the westbound lanes of the M8 and the southbound lanes of the M74, which are in immediate proximity to the heavy lift operation.

“We’ve been working closely with Police Scotland, the local authority and key stakeholders to schedule this delicate operation. The lift has been programmed for through the night to cause minimal disruption to commuters, local communities and freight traffic.”

The main M8 eastbound over Kingston Bridge will remain open and unrestricted throughout.

Drivers are encouraged to use this route where possible.

For information on diversions visit www.scotlandtranserv.co.uk.