THE A7 is set to close for three days while essential repairs are made to a storm-damaged bridge.

The second phase of work on the historic Skippers Bridge in Langholm will begin next week and will require daytime closures.

On Sunday, February 26, the A7 over the bridge will be closed between 8am and 4pm to allow crane access, in order to relocate rock armour.

Then, on Sunday, March 5, the same stretch will be closed between 8am and 4pm to allow a mobile elevated work platform to be positioned on the bridge, allowing access to the cutwaters.

And finally on Sunday, March 12, it could be closed between 8am and 4pm again, if the work can't be completed during the first two closures.

A signed diversion route will be in operation while these works are taking place.

Traffic heading south from Hawick will be diverted via the A698 to the A6088, and will then join the B6357 through Newcastleton to return to the A7 at Canonbie.

Traffic heading north from Canonbie will be diverted via the B7201 to the B6357, and will then join the A6088 to the A698 and return to the A7 at Hawick.

Local bus companies are being consulted and Amey, the company undertaking the work, says they are looking to "maintain regular services, wherever possible."