Roadworks' carbon impact assessed

The energy and waste generated during the works will be monitored

The impact roadwork projects have on the environment is to be investigated during the latest upgrade on Scotland's busiest motorway.

Transport Scotland will monitor the energy used and waste generated during works on the M8 between junction 5 Shotts and junction 6 Newhouse.

It is the first time the carbon impact of works on Scotland's trunk roads has been measured.

The upgrade programme will be in two phases and starts next week.

It is part of £1.8m reconstruction of the M8, which is used by 57,000 vehicles daily.

Works will start on 2 November on a 1.25km section of the eastbound carriageway between Duntilland and Blairmains, and last for 14 days.

There will be a short break and then the works will move to reconstruct the westbound carriageway between Duntilland and the A73 at Junction 6.

We are committed to reducing carbon emissions from all aspects of our activities Eddie Ross BEAR Scotland

It is expected about 20,000 tonnes of material will be recycled during these two phases of works.

Under the new Scottish Climate Change Bill, transport bodies will be required to report on the environmental impact of their operations and activities.

Eddie Ross, consultancy manager for BEAR Scotland, who will supervise the carbon impact study, said: "We are committed to reducing carbon emissions from all aspects of our activities.

"We already endeavour to recycle as much material as possible and welcome new ways of evaluating environmental impacts, such as this carbon management scheme."

Updates of the works will continue to be communicated through micro-blogging site Twitter.

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