A NEW footbridge will provide a welcome boost to commuters in Hawick when it is installed next month.

The Weensland footbridge, planning permission for which was granted by Scottish Borders Council late in 2022, is soon to become a reality.

But townsfolk can expect some disruption early in February as the structure is put into place.

Mansfield Road, from Hamilton Road roundabout westwards for approximately 150 metres, will close from 8am on Monday, February 5, to 6pm on Friday, February 16.

The alternative route eastbound is via Mansfield Road, Dovemount Place, Wilton Hill, Burnfoot Road and Hamilton Road to the point of closure. The westbound route is the above in reverse.

Meanwhile, two temporary pedestrian crossings will be installed on Burnfoot Road for the period of the closure.

The new four-metre wide, 60-metre long structure will be a major addition to the Hawick Active Travel Network and will also include a 6.5km traffic-free route for people to walk, wheel and cycle.

The crossing is being funded by Transport Scotland’s ‘Places for Everyone’ fund in partnership with Sustrans and is being delivered alongside the town’s Flood Protection Scheme.

Additionally, the town’s Victoria Footbridge will be closed from Monday, January 29, to Monday, February 5, to allow for resurfacing works.

The alternative route is eastbound via Commercial Road, James Thomson Bridge, Teviot Road and Teviot Crescent to the point of closure. The alternative route westbound is the above in reverse.