by Ewan Fergus, The Herald
Europe's largest crane is set to swing its 90ft beam into action
to take Glasgow's M74 extension project another step closer to
completion.
The first of eight massive beams will be lifted into place over
the M8 just south of the Kingston Bridge by the enormous Sarens
Gottwald AK680-3 mobile crane.
These will join up with a series of three piers and two
abutments already in place to take the M74 sweeping over the
M8.
While the work is being carried out, Transport Scotland will have
to close sections of the M8. The work will be carried out at night
over weekends to minimise disruption.
The M8 Paisley Road off-ramp will be closed for the work until
August 7.
Overnight tomorrow, the first two lanes of the M8 eastbound will
be closed to allow beams to be placed over it.
Traffic management procedures are expected to be in place from
10pm on Thursday, with the two lanes closed by 11pm. The crane is
expected to begin work by midnight and of the lanes will re-open at
about 6am.
On Saturday, the outside lane of the M8 eastbound will be closed
overnight.
The following weekend, overnight on August 8, the M8 westbound
will be completely closed, along with the eastbound fast lane.
The M8 Carnoustie Street, westbound on-ramp and Carnoustie
Street itself will remain closed from August 2 to 14 to allow beams
to be lifted safely over Carnoustie Street.
Polmadie Road at the junction of New Rutherglen Road will remain
closed until August 9 because of the works.
Produced with the permission of the Herald & Times
Group.