PARTIAL bridge closures and diversions near Galashiels will continue until Sunday, November 18.

Initially scheduled to last 10 weeks, the repairs to Galafoot Bridge are already into their third month.

And trunk roads firm Amey have confirmed the job is only half done and will require a second phase of repairs early in the new year.

Stuart Wallace, bridges manager for Amey, told the Border Telegraph: “We regret that the work necessary to complete the first phase of major repairs on the A6091 Galafoot Bridge will now complete later than we had hoped.

"We have briefed local stakeholders including the emergency services and Scottish Borders Council, and will continue to provide weekly updates via our website and through shared communications with community councils, businesses and the local authority.

"We appreciate that there have been some problems and delays in communicating about the extent of the major repair work; but we are taking the necessary steps to ensure that there is better communication with the community throughout the planning and the delivery of the second phase of this scheme, which is scheduled for the first quarter of 2019."

The bridge will reopen to two-way traffic from 6am on Sunday, November 18.

But further lane closures and diversions will be put in place from February as workmen complete the repairs.

Mr Wallace added: “We regret the inconvenience, frustration and disappointment these emergency works have caused the local community and we will ensure that the lessons learned from Phase 1 of these works are applied in Phase 2.

"We again extend our thanks to all road users for their patience and understanding.

"Our priority remains to complete Phase 1 efficiently, effectively and completely; and to restore the superstructure of the bridge in a manner that will reduce the need for similar extensive maintenance for decades to come.”