Question reference: S6W-14984
- Asked by: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 10 February 2023
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Current status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 16 March 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will pause procurement of the permanent repair works programme for the M8 Woodside Viaducts in order to hold a consultation to consider alternative options for delivery of the trunk road infrastructure through central Glasgow prior to making a firm decision on the long-term future of the viaducts and the commitment of the associated capital expenditure.
Answer
The M8 Woodside Viaduct is a vital element of the motorway and road network serving Glasgow, the wider region and country, carrying approximately 150,000 vehicles per day. The viaducts are generally in good condition, with the exception of areas of the concrete supports. Permanent repairs for these areas will involve localised repairs and strengthening as well as drainage improvements and deck refurbishment. On completion, these works will have added many years of service to this structure and network.
Regular meetings continue with stakeholders, including emergency services and Glasgow City Council, on the project development and progress.
In terms of the wider use of the M8 through central Glasgow, Scottish Ministers strategic transport investment priorities were set out in the second Strategic Transport Projects Review published in December 2022. In line with the Sustainable Investment Hierarchy, we are focussed on the safety and reliability of the existing motorway network.
Any proposal to alter the role or function of the trunk road through Glasgow, is about the wider public realm and land-use within the city, therefore it is more appropriate that this work is proposed and led by the City Council. Transport Scotland will continue to engage constructively with local authorities where proposals or projects are considered to have a potential impact on transport assets and services owned and or provided by Scottish Ministers.