Glasgow M8 & M74 road closures February 2026 - Major delays expected

M8 Junction 26: Hillington Interchange Enters Critical Phase

A significant project affecting traffic is the £10 million bridge refurbishment programme at Junction 26 of the M8, which will enter a critical phase from February 9 to March 2. This phase is expected to bring the most disruption yet, as lanes 2 and 3 will be closed in a westbound direction on the M8 mainline. Overnight and weekend closures of the westbound off-slip at Junction 26 will also be in effect, and Amey has warned that “significant delays are anticipated during this period.”

M8 Woodside Viaducts: Five Years of Disruption Continues

Meanwhile, repair works on the M8 Woodside viaducts, located between Junctions 16 and 17, are scheduled to continue throughout February. These works have been in progress for several years and will involve overnight closures in the westbound lanes from January 25 to February 13. These closures will run from 10pm to 6am, facilitating vital maintenance on a structure that carries an estimated 150,000 vehicles daily.

For motorists needing to divert, westbound traffic will be directed off at Junction 16 Dobbie’s Loan onto Garscube Road and West Graham Street, before rejoining via the Junction 17 on-slip. It’s important to note that emergency vehicle access will not be maintained during these closures, which adds an additional concern for local residents.

M74 Candermill Road: Three-Week Full Closure

Another major disruption will arise from the full closure of the M74 Candermill Road overbridge between Junctions 8 and 9. The continuous closure will take place from February 2 to February 22 to facilitate essential barrier replacements aimed at enhancing the safety of the carriageway structure. Southbound traffic will experience extensive diversions via Marlage Road, Netherburn Road, Ashgillhead Road, Ayr Road, Carlisle Road and Candermill Road, while northbound traffic will follow the reverse route. Access for emergency services will be maintained throughout this closure, which is expected to significantly impact thousands of daily commuters.

M74 Junction 6: SP Energy Works Continue

Closures are also occurring at M74 Junction 6 due to ongoing SP Energy roadworks. The southbound slip off to Hamilton will be fully closed from January 30 to February 8 during overnight hours from 8pm to 6am. These closures are part of a broader programme of utility works scheduled from January 5 through March 2, 2026. Additionally, both northbound and southbound on-slips at Hamilton will face intermittent overnight closures during this period.

A726 Chapelton: Glasgow Road Resurfacing

In the South Lanarkshire area, the A726 Glasgow Road at Chapelton is set for closure from February 23 to February 27, as South Lanarkshire Council undertakes necessary carriageway resurfacing. The closure will span 340 metres in a south-easterly direction, with traffic diverted via the A726, A723, A72, A724 and A725. This work is expected to impede travel but is crucial for long-term improvements.

Larkhall: Duke Street Closures

Duke Street in Larkhall will also see two single-day closures mid-month. The northbound carriageway is scheduled to close on February 16 from 9.30am to 3.30pm between Queen Mary Drive roundabout and the A72 Lanark Road. The following day, February 17, the southbound carriageway will see similar closures during the same hours between the A72 Lanark Road and Locomotive Drive roundabout.

A82 Glasgow Road / A814 Junction (Bowling)

On the regional front, work begins on February 2 for structural repairs on the A82 at the M8 overbridge. A contraflow system will be implemented where eastbound traffic will access the westbound carriageway beginning at Maryhill Place. This work forms part of the larger Glasgow City Deal Exxon development project at Bowling, adding to the regional complexity in traffic management.

With multiple major projects set to converge next month, Transport Scotland and local authorities strongly advise drivers to plan their journeys ahead of time. Real-time information regarding journey conditions can be found by visiting traffic.gov.scot or following @TrafficScotland on Twitter.

Motorists are urged to stay informed about specific project updates, anticipate longer commutes and consider alternative travel routes or modes during this intense period of roadworks.