Delays inevitable as road closes

North Road on approach to Shawhead junction of the A8 will be closed from 10pm this Sunday for three weeks. For eight months after that a temporary road will allow access for traffic going towards Bellshill, but a diversion will remain in place for Shawhead-bound vehicles.

The closure is to allow a bridge to be built as part of the upgrading of Shawhead junction.

During the closure road users are advised to follow a signed diversion via the A725, Bellziehill roundabout and Gartcosh Walk.

First Glasgow has warned that its 201 service won’t run in the Hattonrigg area during the closure period. So a free shuttle bus will pick up passengers from the stops on North Road and link with the 201’s amended route on Gartcosh Walk.

The footpath between North Road in Bellshill and Coatbridge will also be closed during the works.

The free shuttle bus service will begin on Monday, January 25, and will run in a continuous loop between North Road and a temporary bus stop on approach to the A725 roundabout at Kirkshaws Road, Coatbridge.

The bus will run from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Transport Scotland says the service will be monitored and adjusted “to ensure it meets the requirements of the local community”.

A spokesman added: “Signed diversions will be in place to provide road users with alternative routes throughout the works, but delays are anticipated and motorists are being advised to plan their journey in advance.”