MOTORISTS can expect delays on the A72 next week as work begins on a new forestry road.

Forest Enterprise Scotland are creating a new access to Glentress from Nether Horsburgh, near Cardrona.

The work is expected to take two weeks to complete, weather permitting, with temporary traffic lights in operation for the first week between 8.45am to 6pm.

The new entrance completes the link between Glentress Forest and the A72 and will serve as the main timber haul and operational access route for all of Glentress and Nether Horsburgh.

John Ogilvie, planning manager with Forest Enterprise Scotland in the Borders, told us: "We would like to thank everyone for their patience whilst the temporary traffic lights are in place.

"Once the new entrance is in use, there will be minimal timber haulage via Glentress Peel which is a major advantage as it keeps recreational visitors away from timber traffic as much as possible.

"In the last year or so we have been preparing the way for new planting at Nether Horsburgh as part of our on-going management of the forest.

"This work included the construction of new forest roads and access tracks, completion of a deer fence and felling of several older shelterbelt woodlands."

Planting around the Nether Horsburgh will begin later this year.

Mr Ogilvie added: "New planting will start later this year and will include a wide range of conifer and broadleaf tree species that will develop into an attractive woodland landscape, complementing the rest of Tweed Valley Forest Park.”

For safety reasons, no parking will be permitted at the new entrance when it is completed.