Question reference: S6W-14986
- Asked by: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 14 February 2023
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Current status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 16 March 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it is the case that the removal of the M8 Woodside Viaducts between junctions 16 and 17 was not to be considered prior to commissioning a propping and repairs programme, and, if this is the case, what process was followed to determine such an approach, and who was authorised to make such a decision in the reported absence of wider consultation.
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 decision to restrict traffic lanes on the viaducts was made for safety reasons by Transport Scotland’s Director of Roads, as reducing the live traffic loading on the structure was a key aspect to its management, continued use and repair.
Demolishing the structure was ruled out due to the economic, environmental and social impacts on businesses and communities served by the local and trunk road network, including the costs, durations and traffic volumes involved. The refurbishment option was considered to have less economic, social, traffic and environmental impacts. This decision was supported by stakeholders, who expressed significant concern over the impact of lane closures, let alone full closure of the viaduct.