Arkleston Road in Renfrew shut down for the third time in 2025 when Scottish Power discovered a high-voltage cable fault in July. The 10-day emergency closure compounded problems already plaguing the route after a lorry smashed into the bridge over the M8 motorway weeks earlier.
Motorists between Paisley and Renfrew have endured repeated closures since February 2025. The stretch of road now operates on a single lane with temporary traffic lights, and full repairs remain months away.
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Cable Fault Forces July Shutdown
Scottish Power alerted Renfrewshire Council about an emergency fault on Arkleston Road near the M8 bridge on July 11, 2025. Engineers found damage to underground high-voltage cables requiring immediate replacement.
The utility company shut down the road from David Lloyd Health Club to 137 Arkleston Road. Workers replaced 300 metres of damaged cable over 10 days.
Renfrewshire Council issued traffic orders keeping vehicles out of the work zone. Emergency services and cemetery visitors retained access throughout the closure.
Alternative routes:
- Northbound traffic used Renfrew Road
- Southbound drivers took Gallowhill Road
- Both routes experienced heavier congestion during peak hours
Bridge Strike Caused Lasting Damage
The cable emergency occurred while Arkleston Road was already compromised. A heavy load lorry struck the bridge over the M8 at Junction 27 on June 4, 2025 at 2.50pm.
The collision caused structural damage forcing an immediate closure. Police Scotland sealed off the road and requested dashcam footage from witnesses. The M8 westbound carriageway shut for several hours while crews cleared debris.
Transport Scotland initially projected a six-month closure for safety assessments and repairs. Engineers found a faster solution, installing temporary traffic lights and reopening one lane on June 27, 2025.
That single-lane system with traffic lights remains in place today, seven months after the strike.
Flooding Kicked Off Troubled Year
The road troubles started earlier in 2025. Severe weather caused flooding damage between Mossland Road and Arkleston Cemetery in February.
Renfrewshire Council closed that section for 28 days while crews repaired the damage. The closure forced local traffic through residential streets for most of February and into March.
Repairs Delayed Until Late 2026
Local councillor John Shaw provided an update in December 2025 about when permanent bridge repairs will begin. Amey contractors cannot start work until finishing current projects on the M8 at Hillington.
Shaw confirmed repairs would start no earlier than May 2026. A roadworks embargo during the Commonwealth Games next summer will halt any work during the event. Contractors must restart repairs after the games finish.
Full restoration of Arkleston Road now looks unlikely before late 2026 or early 2027.
Cemetery and Local Access Maintained
Arkleston Cemetery remained accessible during the Scottish Power emergency. Funeral services and visitors used the entrance on the opposite side of the closed section.
Ralston Community Council kept residents informed through website updates about closure timelines and alternative routes. The community group tracked all three closures throughout 2025.
Local businesses near the affected area reported fewer customers during each closure period. The David Lloyd Health Club maintained access from Renfrew Road throughout the works.
Traffic Continues Under Restrictions
Seven months after the bridge strike, motorists still face delays on Arkleston Road. The temporary traffic light system creates queues during morning and evening rush hours.
Drivers using the route between Glasgow Airport and Paisley should expect congestion. The single-lane operation will continue until Amey begins permanent repairs in mid-2026.
Scottish Power completed the cable replacement by late July 2025, ending that particular closure. The road reopened to traffic on both sides of the damaged bridge section, though the single-lane restriction from the June incident remained.
Route Faces Months More Disruption
Arkleston Road between Renfrew and Paisley has suffered three emergency closures in 12 months. The bridge damage from June 2025 continues limiting traffic flow seven months later with no permanent fix scheduled until May 2026 at the earliest.
The Commonwealth Games embargo and ongoing M8 works at Hillington mean full restoration remains at least six months away, possibly longer. Commuters and local residents can expect restricted conditions on this route well into 2026, with the temporary traffic lights and single-lane operation staying in place until contractors complete structural repairs to the bridge.
