A PORTION of the A68 will be closed in December for essential roadworks.

The works, which begin on Monday, December 9 and end on Friday, December 13, will allow essential road safety maintenance to be completed at the Gattonside Junction.

The closures will be between 8pm and 6am every night.

A spokesperson from Amey, which maintains Scotland's trunk roads, said: "To allow this scheme to take place there will be a full closure of the A68 carriageway between Earlston and Ravenswood with a signed diversion route in operation.

"A68 southbound traffic will be diverted at Earlston to join the A6105 in an easterly direction and will turn right at the A6089 Junction in Gordon. 

"Traffic will proceed on this route to merge onto the westbound A698 near the River Tweed and upon reaching Bonjedward, traffic will be able to rejoin the A68. 

"Traffic intending to join the A6091 from here will travel in a northerly direction to Ravenswood Roundabout. 

"Traffic already travelling on the A6091 and intending to use the A68 northbound will follow the above diversion but in reverse.

"A68 northbound traffic will be diverted at Bonjedward to join the A698 and will also be required to use the diversion route detailed above but in reverse."