DELAYS and disruption are expected when the Clydeside Expressway closes for THREE WEEKS from Saturday. 

Road chiefs have confirmed the busy thoroughfare will be blocked off to motorists in the city for the duration of the United Nations COP26 summit. It means the expressway will not open again until Monday, November 15. 

Coming amid criticism of other major closures for the conference - which will also see a number of popular culture hubs shut to the public - the move has been defended by council chiefs as part of security measures for the event. 

READ MORE: Full list of road closures for Glasgow's COP26 revealed

Some 140 world leaders - including president Joe Biden - are expected to attend COP26 for what have been described as ‘last chance’ talks aimed at agreeing action to slow down the devastating impact of climate change.

Alternative routes have been put in place and will be sign posted on the ground, but drivers are urged to plan their journeys in advance.

They are being asked look at travelling outside peak times, consider if the journey is necessary at that time or at all and leaving the car, opting to travel in a different way, if possible.

On Monday, November 1, there will be additional road closures around Argyle Street which is one of the main diversion routes, because of a COP26 event. This will increase congestion and put additional strain on the road network.

On Friday, November 5, and Saturday, November 6, are also expected to be exceptionally busy, due to planned climate change related marches going from Kelvingrove Park into the city centre and Glasgow Green.

Denise Hamilton, head of the council’s COP26 Team, said, “Glasgow is a past master at hosting major events. We have spent the past 18 months putting plans in place to support this hugely complex event and keep Glasgow moving and open for business.

“We’ve worked with partners to co-ordinate and agree road closures and security measures that are essential to make COP26 a successful event and safe for everyone, visitors and residents, alike. The city is ready for what is going to be the largest gathering of world leaders that the UK has ever seen."

Glasgow Times: Joe Biden Joe Biden

Nicola Blaney, head of events resilience at Transport Scotland, said, “Latest data shows the transport network in Glasgow and the Central Belt will be extremely busy during COP26. Severe congestion on certain days is expected due to a combination of road closures, security measures, an influx of delegates, poor weather, and likely protests." 

Glasgow Times:

The road closure will come into effect from 9pm on Saturday.