Glasgow City Council Supports Demolition Plans for M8 Section
Glasgow City Council has expressed support for plans to demolish a significant stretch of Scotland's busiest motorway, the M8. Temporary repairs to the Woodside Viaducts, which carry the M8 north of the Kingston Bridge, have been ongoing for several years at a cost of £152 million.
Transport Scotland is currently consulting on options for a permanent solution. The least expensive option involves removing the affected section of the motorway entirely and rerouting traffic via the M74. Alternative options include repairing or replacing the viaducts, both of which would be more costly and time-consuming.
In correspondence with Transport Scotland, a council spokesperson stated:
"Overall, we consider that the option to 'Remove' the M8 Woodside viaducts could be consistent with the Council's position.
As such, the Council is ready to work constructively and collaboratively with Transport Scotland to fully understand the nature of this opportunity, its feasibility and what alternatives and significant investment would be required to unlock transformational benefits."
The letter also acknowledged the long-standing recognition by the council that the construction of the M8 has had a negative impact on the urban fabric of local communities, damaging city centre placemaking and creating a separation between the city centre and areas to the north and west.
The issue is scheduled to be discussed by Scottish Greens councillor Christy Mearns at a full council meeting on Thursday. She plans to request that the city convener write to the new transport secretary urging support for the removal option.
Repair, Replace, or Demolish?
The Woodside Viaducts carry the M8 motorway through northern Glasgow, located between Junction 16 (Craighall) and Junction 17 (Charing Cross). Transport Scotland's strategic review is considering three options: repair, replacement, or removal of the viaducts.
Removal would necessitate closing part of the M8, with all through-traffic rerouted via the M74 on the city's south side. This option is estimated to cost less than £125 million and take one to two years to complete. However, a report highlights that the M74 is already operating near capacity, raising concerns about its ability to accommodate additional diverted traffic.
Repairing the viaducts is projected to cost between £125 million and £200 million and could take up to three years. The most expensive option, replacing the viaducts entirely, is estimated at £200 million to £500 million, with a potential duration of up to four years.
Transport Scotland has acknowledged that removing a section of the motorway would likely cause significant disruption, including major impacts on congestion, journey times, and the resilience of the wider road network.
A Transport Scotland spokesperson commented:
"We are keen to hear the thoughts of the local communities and road users on the permanent solution for the M8 Woodside Viaducts project.
Public engagement events are being held to provide local communities and road users with the opportunity to learn more and to share their feedback on the options."
