Lorry crashes into M8 bridge causing 'significant' structural damage

A section of the M8 has reopened after being closed overnight to repair a damaged bridge, which was struck by a lorry.

The stretch of motorway heading westbound between junction 4A and junction 5 was restricted to a single lane from 1.40pm on Tuesday after the incident.

Several cross-beams were detached, and significant damage was caused to the steel framework of the bridge due to the impact of the incident near Harthill Service Station.

Crews had to re-weld and bolt the beams, as well as install four new beams to provide additional support.

The driver of the vehicle that struck the bridge did not stop or report the incident.

The section of motorway was closed from 8pm until 5am on Wednesday as teams worked through the night to repair the damage.

David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Bridges manager, said: “This bridge over the M8 had suffered significant structural damage and needed to be made safe before the carriageway below could be fully reopened to traffic.

“The team has done a magnificent job to assess the damage, come up with an emergency repair solution to make it safe, and then implement that solution, all within about 15 hours.

“Further work will be required in the future to repair the extensive damage to the main edge beam. However, this will be a longer-term process requiring structural assessment and design of complex steelwork repairs before the works can be planned and mobilised.

“Until then, traffic loading on the damaged beam will be reduced by installing a temporary vehicle barrier on the B718 local road over the bridge, with temporary traffic lights remaining in place in the meantime.

“We’re grateful to motorists for their patience and understanding while these emergency repairs were completed.”

The driver of the vehicle that struck the bridge did not stop or report the incident.

Anyone with dashcam footage or relevant information is encouraged to contact Police Scotland or BEAR Scotland.