M876 motorway

The M876 is a short motorway in central Scotland, running 13 kilometres between Denny and Airth in the Falkirk council area. It links the M80 at junction eight to the Kincardine Bridge over the Forth, acting as the main approach road for traffic heading to Fife. The route bypasses the towns of Falkirk and Stenhousemuir, keeping through traffic away from built-up areas. In 2011 the motorway’s northern end was adjusted when the M80’s junction numbering changed. After a mile it leaves the M9 concurrency and continues as the A876 dual carriageway. The road is one of only three in the UK that share a stretch with another motorway, in this case the M9. In 2008 a new Clackmannanshire Bridge opened alongside the original Kincardine Bridge to carry extra traffic towards Alloa. At the same time the old Bowtrees Roundabout was rebuilt as a grade-separated junction to improve flow. The A876 beyond this point was upgraded to dual carriageway to match the motorway standard. Visitors driving the M876 see open countryside and low hills on either side, with the Forth estuary appearing ahead as the road approaches the bridges. The motorway itself is a straight, modern route with two lanes in each direction and wide shoulders. Street lighting runs the full length, and the road is well signed for destinations in Falkirk, Grangemouth and Fife. The grade-separated junction at Bowtrees is a notable feature, with slip roads rising over the main carriageway.