Current status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 6 March 2023
To ask the Scottish Government whether any defects have been identified with the half joints or expansion joints on the approach spans of the Kingston Bridge, particularly in the vicinity of junction 18.
The South West trunk road operating company (AMEY) undertakes a range of maintenance inspections on the approaches to the M8 Kingston Bridge. These include weekly driven inspections and 3 monthly safety inspections of the approaches (including all joints), with the half-joints monitored separately on a 3-monthly basis. Depending on the findings, more extensive investigations and testing of the joints may be undertaken.
Between 2018 and 2023, 113 expansion joints were replaced within the Kingston Bridge complex including the approaches. A further 15 expansion joints are programmed for replacement within the 2023/24 financial year.
This programme of work addressed defects from previous inspections, as replacement of the expansion joints above the half-joints removes water leakage from the area, protecting the half-joints.
We will continue to monitor the half-joints on a 3-monthly basis, undertaking any further maintenance works as required.