AS the construction of the Borders Railway nears completion the final phase of earthworks is set to start on the 30 April.

Surplus material excavated during the construction of the railway will be transported from the Ferniehirst area, through Stow, to Falahill. The material will then be used to complete the landscaping at Falahill.

The work will take approximately seven weeks and involve the extensive use of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). The Old Stage Road, the C11, will be closed between Ferniehirst and Stow to allow this final phase of earth movements to be completed. Access to all properties will be maintained.

The movements of the HGVs will be monitored with the use of six banksmen, four located within the village of Stow. The agreed school embargo times will remain in place and HGVs will be held at set locations during these times.

Extended working hours have been approved to Monday – Friday: 0700 – 1900hrs, Saturday: 0800 – 1700hrs and Sunday: 0900 – 1700hrs. Sunday working has been approved to support contingency measures and will only be used with the Project Managers' approval.

Hugh Wark, Borders Railway Project Manager, Network Rail, said: "It is just three months until people board the first Borders Railway train and just weeks until the construction of the railway is complete. These earthworks are an essential step towards these milestones.

"The works involve the use of HGV vehicles which we are closely controlling. We appreciate the potential inconvenience caused during these works and we will work hard to minimise disruption to the community as far as practically possible.

“We encourage motorists to show due care and attention and thank local communities for their patience whilst this work is underway."

All affected residents and have been advised of the working arrangements.