Published: Monday, 18th January, 2010 12:33pm

Roadworks delayed by big freeze

MOTORISTS face more disruption after protracted plans to complete the new Inner Relief Road in Galashiels was delayed following the big freeze.

Scottish Borders Council has confirmed the closure of Albert Place, due to happen on Tuesday, January 5, will not now be implemented until Tuesday, January 19, due to the weather conditions at the start of the year.

The work is scheduled to last approximately 11 weeks.

Diversions will be put in place for southbound vehicles, as northbound vehicles will now be able to use one lane of the new link road between Abbotsford Road and Paton Street.

The closure will allow the remainder of the public utility diversions to be undertaken, prior to the completion of the link road and new junction to Albert Place.

It is now expected that the road will not be opened to traffic before the middle of March 2010.

Traffic diversion routes are as follows:

Southbound HGVs - East on the B6374 Melrose Road, south-west on the B6360 to Melrose roundabout, then west on the A6091 to Kingsknowes roundabout where the road joins the A7.

All other south bound traffic alternative - South-east on Paton Street, then Huddersfield Street and Dale Street. South-west on Nether Road, west on Tweed Road, which leads to Abbotsford Road.

All Northbound Traffic - Use new link road between Abbotsford Road and Paton Street/Huddersfield Street. Then turn north-west onto Paton Street to access town centre, A7 and A72.

Scottish Borders Council would again like to thank members of the public for their continued patience and co-operation during the final stage of these works.