Glasgow Airport has warned travellers to allow additional time for journeys during two planned weekend closures of the M8 motorway on 7–8 and 14–15 November.
The closures are required for the reinstatement of the Cornwall Street and Kirkwood Street pedestrian footbridges over the motorway, between junctions 21 and 23 southwest of Glasgow city centre. Amey is carrying out the work on behalf of Transport Scotland. The bridges have been unavailable to pedestrians and cyclists since their spans were removed in summer 2024.
The first closure is scheduled from 6pm on Saturday 7 November until 1pm on Sunday 8 November. The eastbound motorway will close between junctions 24 and 22, including the Helen Street on-slip road. The westbound main and secondary carriageways will close between junctions 22 and 24, with a further restriction affecting the Carnoustie Street on-slip road. The M77 is expected to remain open in both directions during this first period.
A more extensive operation is planned for 6pm on Saturday 14 November until 1pm on Sunday 15 November. All 16 lanes of the M8 in the affected section are scheduled to be closed. The westbound restriction extends between junctions 20 and 24, and the eastbound restriction covers junctions 24 to 22. The M77 northbound will also close from junction 1, including its Dumbreck on-slip road, with additional restrictions affecting associated roads and slip roads.
Signed diversions are to be provided. However, traffic diverted from a major motorway can put substantial pressure on surrounding streets and alternative routes, particularly where junctions and connecting motorways are also affected. The airport has warned of significant delays and advised passengers to plan ahead. The closures concern roads used by airport passengers, but the airport itself is not reported as closing.
Transport Scotland’s project information says the bridge work includes structural strengthening, replacement of bearings and expansion joints, improvements to drainage and safety barriers, and work to address corrosion. The intention is to restore pedestrian use of the bridges in February 2027.
All timings remain dependent on suitable weather. A provisional contingency weekend has been identified for 21–22 November if the lifts cannot go ahead as planned. Drivers should check Traffic Scotland immediately before travelling rather than relying on a diversion plan published several days earlier.
Sources
Glasgow Airport Passengers Advised of Extended Closures on the M8 — Glasgow Airport, 3 November 2026. https://www.glasgowairport.com/media-centre/2026/glasgow-airport-passengers-advised-of-extended-closures-on-the-m8/
M8 Junctions 21–23: Essential Preparatory Works for Footbridge Refurbishments — Traffic Scotland / Amey, Accessed 4 November 2026. https://www.traffic.gov.scot/travel-news/projects-and-events/m8-junctions-21-23-essential-preparatory-works-footbridge
Glasgow Airport Passengers Advised of Extended Closures on the M8 — Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, 3 November 2026. https://www.renfrewshirechamber.com/glasgow-airport-passengers-advised-of-extended-closures-on-the-m8/
