Emergency services have reopened the M8 westbound and the adjacent stretch of Renfrew Road after a one-car collision resulted in significant damage to bridge barriers and caused injuries on Thursday evening.
Where and when it happened
The incident occurred at about 8.40pm on Thursday, 16 July 2026, around Junction 27 at the White Cart Viaduct close to Glasgow Airport. Traffic on the westbound carriageway was halted while responders worked at the scene; the motorway was later reopened before midnight.
Casualties, response and disruption
Two women were taken to hospital following the collision. Photographs from the scene showed one badly damaged vehicle amid debris in the carriageway, with both police officers and members of the public assisting prior to recovery.
“The M8 westbound at Junction 27, White Cart Viaduct in Paisley, has reopened following a one-car crash reported around 8.40pm on Thursday, 16 July, 2026,”
Road closures also extended to Renfrew Road, which crosses the M8. That route was shut between the Abbotsinch Retail Park roundabout and the Arkleston Road roundabout because of damage to the bridge safety barriers. That section has now been reopened.
Practical information for drivers
- Motorway users should expect normal traffic patterns to resume, but residual delays are possible during recovery and inspection work.
- Those travelling to or from Glasgow Airport may wish to check live traffic updates and public-transport alternatives while minor congestion clears.
- If you witnessed the collision and have not yet spoken to police, contact details for Police Scotland remain the appropriate channel for any information that may assist their inquiries.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Time reported | c. 8.40pm, 16 July 2026 |
| Location | M8 westbound, J27 (White Cart Viaduct), Paisley |
| Roads closed | M8 westbound; Renfrew Road (between Abbotsinch Retail Park and Arkleston Road) |
| Injuries | Two women taken to hospital |
Local roads and the motorway have been checked and cleared, but bridge infrastructure damaged by the incident may require further inspection in the coming days. Any necessary repair work and potential short-term restrictions will be communicated by the council and Police Scotland in follow-up updates.
The incident is a reminder of the way single-vehicle crashes can have wider transport consequences, especially where they affect bridge structures over busy motorways. Commuters are advised to plan for possible delays when using this corridor until all inspections and any remedial work are complete.
