GOOD news for motorists - council bosses have confirmed that works to Lowood Bridge are set to be complete in time for Melrose Festival Week.

The project is in its final stages and remains on schedule to be completed by Monday, June 18, the day of the Melrosian Rideout.

So far, the temporary scaffolding has been removed, which means works on the bridge deck area can start.

Repairs to the bridge's stonework are now complete, as well as resurfacing of the Waverley Road/Lowood Road junction. New electrical cabling for the traffic light system upgrade has also been installed and kerbing work has started on the Galashiels side of the bridge.

A range of kerbing, drainage and surfacing of the bridge deck will now be completed, alongside stone repair and pointing to the wingwalls on the Galashiels side of the bridge, while works are finished to install the traffic light system.

Scottish Borders Council added that an exact opening date will be announced next week.

In an update, the authority said: "We continue to appreciate the patience of motorists, local people and businesses during the closure and we are working to open the bridge as soon as possible."