As COP26 gets underway, officials are warning of extensive traffic delays on the M8 due to increased congestion and road closures. 

A specially dedicated junction along the motorway will allow VIPs to join the Clyde Expressway, which is reserved for COP26 traffic. 

Transport sources have said that drivers could face delays of up to 30 minutes on the M8 in Glasgow on November 1 and 2 if world leaders and their international delegations travelled via the motorway to reach the summit. 

Connecting Glasgow and Edinburgh, the M8 is one of Scotland's busiest roads in normal times and is therefore no stranger to long delays during rush hour.

To avoid getting caught up in too much traffic during COP26, here are some alternative routes between Edinburgh and Glasgow. 

Detours and alternative routes between Edinburgh and Glasgow to avoid M8

According to the Via Michelin website, there are three possible routes to avoid the M8 between Edinburgh and Glasgow. 

These options detail routes from Edinburgh to Glasgow. 

The first option is via the B7066 and A8 - fittingly known as the Glasgow and Edinburgh Road.

This route is around 46 miles and expected to take around 1hr30 travel time, as per Via Michelin's website.

Another flagged option is via the A70 and A8.  

This is a slightly longer route at 53 miles, with an expected drive time of around 1hr40. 

The third option offered is via the A8 and B9080 

It has the longest expected travel time at 1hr45 minutes over 50 miles. 

In addition, a report published by Trafficmaster and the RAC Foundation back in 2007 found that taking the M9 from Edinburgh past Linlithgow, then the M876 round Falkirk, the A80 past Cumbernauld, the M73 and the A8 into Coatbridge could at times be faster than the M8. 

You can find out more about all the road closures during COP26 here.