Drivers warned as 'stinking' sewage floods M8 near Braehead Shopping Centre

Sewage has flooded a section of the M8 in Glasgow after a main pipe burst, causing disruption to drivers and a stench around Braehead Shopping Centre.

Traffic Scotland said that lane two of the motorway’s westbound carriageway on-slip at Junction 25A, Braehead Interchange, was shut from 8.30am on Friday.

Scottish Water said it had operatives at the scene to clean up after a sewer main burst spilling contaminated water onto the road.

Drivers are being urged to take care, and anyone heading to Braehead Shopping Centre has been guided to take the exit at Junction 26.

UPDATE❗ ⌚10:19

🛣️ #M8 Junction 25A

⛔ Closed Westbound on Off-Slip at Junction 25A to Braehead due to contaminated water on the carriageway

Do bear in mind if you are heading to the shopping centre today❗-Leave the M8 J26 and take Renfrew Road to the centre @SWTrunkRoads pic.twitter.com/ujCifcyuQQ
— Traffic Scotland (@trafficscotland) December 27, 2024

A spokesperson said: “M8 Junction 25A. Lane 2 closed Westbound on off-slip at Junction 25A to Braehead due to flooding.

“Take care on the approach and drive to conditions.”

Shoppers at Braehead described a “stinking” smell in the area.

Scottish Water said the issue was caused by a burst sewer main and advised drivers to avoid the area.

A spokesperson said: “Both lanes of the slip road that leads from the westbound M8 towards the Braehead area and shopping centre are closed following the incident, which has also caused some localised flooding of the carriageway and surrounding area.

“Our operatives are on-site working to clean the affected area and enable the road to be fully or partially re-opened as soon as possible.

“We apologise for the inconvenience and disruption that this causes to road users and thank them for their patience and understanding while the work progresses.”

A SEPA spokesperson said: “We have been notified of potential sewage on the M8 near Glasgow. We have been in touch Scottish Water, who are dealing with the incident. While this is unlikely to result in any impact on the water environment, we will continue to liaise with them until the incident is resolved. We expect an Environmental Pollution Incident report to be submitted in due course and will follow up with any regulatory actions if required.”