Minister gets M8 Harthill Footbridge work underway

Minister for Transport Stewart Stevenson today visited Harthill Services to mark the start of work on a new footbridge spanning the M8 to create a striking new landmark in the central belt.

This £5.1 million Transport Scotland project will replace the existing Footbridge and provide much-needed access improvements for the Heart of Scotland (Harthill) Services. and the Local Transport Interchange (LTI). These facilities are being well used and will benefit from the much improved footbridge when constructed, for better public transport use in the Central Scotland area.

Passengers using the LTI have benefited from additional car parking provision on the south side of the motorway, which is frequently used by commuters continuing their westbound journey by bus and eastbound travellers crossing the existing footbridge to use the Edinburgh bus service.

Mr Stevenson, said:

"I am delighted to see work start on this new bridge that will improve access to services here in the heart of the Scotland. The existing footbridge has been a recognisable feature for Scottish motorway drivers for nearly four decades but it is showing its age and acts as a barrier for many people in the local community who have accessibility needs.

"While this investment recognises our commitment to improving accessibility on the transport network I am also pleased that the chance has been taken to build an visually impressive landmark for one of the country’s busiest routes."

Acting on Transport Scotland’s behalf, contractor Raynesway will construct the new 63-metre footbridge which has a novel design formed with intertwining steel spirals, known as a ‘helical truss’, that enclose the glass-sided walkway.

Harthill was the first motorway service station to be built in Scotland following the completion of the M8 in the early 1970s. The new footbridge will complete the redevelopment of the Harthill site, which includes the recent Transport Scotland investment in a new £1.1m transport interchange.

For futher information see M8 Harthill Footbridge Replacement