Edinburgh traffic: Police on scene of serious crash on M8 at Hermiston Gait in Edinburgh

The M8 Westbound has now reopened after being closed to traffic

Drivers in Edinburgh are facing diversions and long delays after police were called to a serious crash on the M8 this morning.

Emergency services arrived on the scene of the rush hour crash near Junction 1 at Hermiston Gait, which happened shortly after 9am. The motorway was later closed to all traffic travelling Westbound following the crash with Traffic Scotland advising that the ‘carriageway is expected to be closed for some time.’

At 6.40pm Traffic Scotland advised that Junction 1 on the M8 has now reopened but ‘traffic is still moving slowly in the area with A720 Westbound delays of around 25 minutes’ and to ‘approach with care.’ Drivers have been warned to expect delays and advised to use an alternate route if possible. The AA is reporting that heavy traffic from Hermiston Gait is trailing back as far as Ratho where the average speed is 5mph.

The M8 near Hermiston Gait is now closed closed Westbound following a serious crash

A Police Scotland spokesperson added: “The M8 Westbound has reopened at Junction 1 following a two-vehicle crash which happened around 9.12am on Monday, 18 December. Drivers are urged to expect delays while traffic returns to normal.”

Earlier today, Edinburgh Travel News, who provide regular traffic updates regarding Edinburgh and the Lothians said: “The impact is now significant and widespread and the resultant delays are too numerous for us to mention individually.” The added: “Expect notable disruption on most routes on the west side of the City this afternoon."

It is not currently known if anyone has been injured in the incident. Police Scotland has been approached for comment.