Severe delays on M8 at Edinburgh after tree falls on motorway during Storm Bram
Drivers in Edinburgh are facing delays on the M8 after high winds caused a tree to fall on to Scotland’s busiest motorway.
Traffic was ground to a halt on the westbound carriageway of the M8 at junction 2 on the evening of Tuesday, December 9, after a tree fell down during high winds brought by Storm Bram. It has since been cleared from the road.
According to Traffic Scotland, drivers were facing delays of around 29 minutes, with motorists urged to avoid the area.
Speaking shortly before 6pm, a spokesman said: “The M8 is currently restricted at Junction 2 westbound due to a fallen down tree... Road users should approach with caution and use alternative routes where possible.”
The AA Route Planner is also reporting ‘severe’ delays in the area, with traffic said to be tailing back to Hermiston Gait. It said the average speed in the area is 5mph.
The city is expected to be hit by 55mph winds this evening, with the Met Office saying gusts of 65mph could be possible in coastal areas.
Yellow weather warnings for wind are in place throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians this evening and throughout tomorrow. Flood alerts are also in place for the area.
Attractions at Edinburgh’s Christmas Market have been forced to close due to the adverse weather, though the East Princes Street Gardens market currently remains open.