Major diversions are being put in place

Glasgow City Council said there will be two six-hour weekend closures at the beginning and end of August and a 24-hour closure in the middle of the month.

The six-hour closures will occur from 0001BST until 0600BST on 5-6 August and 26-27 August.

The 24-hour weekend closure will take place from 0700BST on 12 August until 0700BST on 13 August.

The M8 will be closed from junction 19 (Anderston) to junction 21 (Seaward Street) in both directions.

The council said it is embarking on a publicity campaign with the police and Scottish Executive to make people aware of diversions.

Leaflets will be made available at shopping centres, petrol stations and Glasgow Airport.

'Clearly signposted'

Information is also being provided on the website http://www.nadics.org.uk.

Council transportation manager, Marshall Poulton, said: "We're advising motorists to plan ahead for any journeys at the closure times and allow extra time, especially if they're heading for a flight.

"The diversions are clearly signposted well in advance."

Mr Poulton conceded that there were likely to be delays during the 24-hour closure when supporters travelling to St Mirren and Celtic home matches would be affected.

He said extra underground services will be provided on 13 August and tolls on the Erskine Bridge will be suspended.

The bridge is one of Europe's busiest, carrying an average 150,000 vehicles a day.

The operation began after the discovery of major defects in the bridge in 1990. Bulges were found in the north pier wall near the bridge's support piers.