Motorists are being warned to expect “severe” delays on the Erskine Bridge when work begins to replace a stretch of the road between the bridge and the M8.

The £400,000 project is being carried out by Scotland TranServ as part of Transport Scotland’s strategic trunk road maintenance programme.

It involves resurfacing 1.2 km of the M898 southbound between the Erskine Bridge and the M8 from 8pm Friday, November 30 and 6am on Monday, December 3.

Diversions will be in place but drivers are being urged to consider alternative transport and take alternative routes where possible to avoid traffic jams.

Severe delays lasting about two hours are expected on the A82 southbound.

The A726, M8 at St James Interchange and the surrounding communities of Bishopton, Inchinnan, Renfrew, Erskine, Dumbarton, Old Kilpatrick, Bowling, Milton, Clydebank and Bearsden are also expected to be extremely congested.

M898 Northbound traffic will not be affected by the works throughout the duration of the weekend.

James McLean, Scotland TranServ’s Principal Network Design Engineer, said: “This is an important trunk road connecting a number of communities with Glasgow and the central belt.

“To complete such an extensive resurfacing programme, while minimising the impact, we will require the full weekend.”

Special arrangements have been made for emergency services’ vehicles to pass through the works if necessary.

Paul Lynch, Scotland TranServ’s Network Manager added: “The carriageway is deteriorating rapidly and to avoid the necessity of an unplanned repair programme, it is better that we can act now.

“Our advice to drivers is to avoid the affected routes during that weekend, seek alternative travel arrangements, or use public transport where possible.

“Our expert traffic modelling contractor is predicting severe delays, and we would urge drivers to heed all such warnings.”

Andy Fraser, Scotland TranServ’s Operating Company Representative added: “It is our aim to deliver these long-term benefits to commuters, businesses and tourists visiting our area, with maximum efficiency and minimal disruption throughout.”

Live trunk road updates are available by following @trafficscotland on Twitter or visiting trafficscotland.org. Further details on an alternative route are available on the Scotland TranServ website.