M80 closed overnight after crash as drivers face diversions of up to 17 miles

Cops were called to a crash on the major Scots motorway at around 12.30am, with rush hour traffic now affected.

The M80 has been closed in both directions between junctions 8 and 9 at Denny following a crash. The incident happened shortly before 12.30am on Thursday, March 19 when police were called to the major Scots motorway.

It remains unclear how many people or vehicles were involved in the smash, as well as if anyone was injured or requited hospital treatment as a result. The collision is causing significant disruption during rush hour, with drivers facing diversions of up to 17 miles.

Megabus also says around 909 services may be impacted due to the increase in traffic through Stirling. A spokesperson said: “The M80 is closed in both directions between Junctions 9 & 8. Our M8, M9 & M10 services will be subject to delays and diversions. 909 services may be impacted, due to the increase in traffic through Stirling.”

Traffic Scotland has been sharing updates with commuters on the “police incident” since the early hours of the morning. Cameras show heavy congestion at Banknock, where long lines of traffic can be seen building.

The latest, as of 7:45am, is that M80 southbound traffic on the M9 continue eastbound until Junction 7 (Kinnaird) and exit onto the M876 northbound.

They should then exit at Junction 3 (Bowtrees) then re-enter onto the M876 southbound onto the M9 westbound before exiting on the M876 southbound at Junction 8 (Hill of Kinnaird) and continue the M876 southbound before merging back onto the M80 southbound at Junction 8 (Bankhead). This is where the diversion ends.

Northbound traffic on the M80 should exit onto the M876 at Junction 8 (Bankhead) and continue before merging onto the M9, then at Junction 7 (Kinnaird) exit onto the M876. They should exit at Junction 3 (Bowtrees) then re-enter onto the M876 southbound and continue onto the M9 westbound towards Stirling.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “The M80 is closed in both directions between junctions 8 and 9, following a report of a road crash which we were called to around 12.25am on Thursday, 19 March, 2026. Diversions are in place.”

Scottish Ambulance Service has been contacted for comment.

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