Drivers are being warned to expect significant delays on the M74 this weekend as work starts to demolish a bridge.

Motorists are advised to avoid the motorway for the weekend from November 18 to November 21 as works get under way to demolish the Bothwellpark Road Bridge in North Lanarkshire.

The motorway will be closed between Junction 4 Maryville and Junction 5 Raith in both directions from 8pm on Friday to 6am on Monday.

The bridge, located to the north of M74 Junction 5 Raith, is the final structure to be demolished as part of a £500m infrastructure improvement project.

Graeme Reid, Transport Scotland project manager, said: "This is the most significant road closure we have implemented as part of the works and we are anticipating major delays on all approaches, the surrounding roads and the main diversion route.

"We are advising road users to plan their journey, avoid the area and surrounding local roads, and if possible, to use alternative modes of transport for the weekend."

The weekend closure will result in no access from the M73 to the M74 southbound at Junction 4 Maryville or to the M74 northbound at Junction 5 Raith.

Signed diversion routes will be in place via the A725, A8 and the M73, although Transport Scotland is warning road users to expect major delays on all surrounding routes as a result of the M74 closure.

Motorists will continue to have access to the M74 southbound at Junction 5 Raith, and the M74 northbound at Junctions 4 Maryville and 3A Daldowie.

However there will be no access to Bothwell Services from the M74 southbound. The next available service area is the M74 southbound at Junction 11, Happendon and Junction 13, Abington.