RESURFACING works worth £125,000 will be carried out on the A7 in and around Langholm.

The investment by Transport Scotland will ensure that the A7 continues to operate safely for years to come.

Works will commence on Monday 4 November and will be carried out over five nights between 20:00hrs and 06:00hrs. To allow the works to be carried out safely it is essential to close the A7 between Canonbie and Hawick during these times.

Signed diversion routes will be in place for the duration of the works. Northbound and southbound traffic will be diverted via the B6357, A6088 and A698 between Canonbie and Hawick. It is anticipated that this diversion will add around 30 minutes to journey times.

Bus services will be escorted through the works when it is safe to do so and the First Bus 95/X95 service will operate on its normal route. This is likely to result in 5-10 minutes additional travel time for this service.

BEAR Scotland will make every endeavour to ensure that any possible delays are kept to a minimum. Any passengers intending to make onward connections should plan their journeys accordingly and make alternative arrangements where possible.

On Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th November the carriageway will be closed to all vehicles from Glenesk Rd (North Junction) and Langholm to Broomholm (3km south of Langholm). Local access only will be maintained to these points but travel between them will be prohibited.

On Wednesday 6th November the carriageway will be closed in Langholm between Market Place and the Townhead Car Park. Again local access to these points will be maintained but travel between them will be prohibited.

On Thursday 7th and Friday 8th November the carriageway will be closed between the Townhead Car Park, on the north side of Langholm and the Mosspaul Hotel (16km north of Langholm, 19km south of Hawick). Local access to these points will be maintained but travel between them will be prohibited.

Commenting on the works Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland’s Operating Company Representative for the South East Unit, said: “These works are being carried out overnight, when traffic volumes are reduced, to minimise delays to motorists. We would however encourage motorists to plan their journeys in advance where possible and visit the Traffic Scotland website for real-time information.

“We will be making full use of the road closures, taking the opportunity to undertake other routine works such as traffic signal repairs, bridge parapet repairs and pavement investigation. We would like to thank the public in advance for their patience.” Real-time journey planning information can be obtained by visiting www.trafficscotland.org.

Materials removed from the existing carriageway will be recycled using SEPA approved methods.

The works are being carried out by Aggregate Industries on behalf of BEAR Scotland. Works have been planned in consultation with Police Scotland, Scottish Borders Council and Dumfries & Galloway Council.