FIVE consecutive nights of resurfacing works on the A702 between the North of Coulter and Symington Junction are set to begin on Monday July 18 2022.

Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland will carry out the project. Works will begin on the Monday July 18 2022 and will finish on Saturday morning at 06:30. Working hours will be between 19:30 and 06:30 each night.

For the safety of workers and road users, the A702 will be closed during working hours.

During the period of closure, a signed diversion route will be in place for traffic. Vehicles travelling Northbound on the A702 will be diverted off at Maidencoats Roundabout before re-joining at Melbourne Crossroad via the A73, A70 and A721.

Similarly, vehicles travelling Southbound will be diverted off at Melbourne Crossroad before rejoining at Maidencoats Roundabout. These diversion routes will add an estimated 19 minutes and 12 miles to affected journeys.

All traffic management will be removed out with working hours.

Consultation has taken place with relevant stakeholders in advance of these works to make them aware of the traffic management arrangements and to minimise any inconvenience.

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

Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s South East Network Manager, said: “These surfacing improvements on the A702 between Coulter and Biggar will address and repair defects in the road surface, such as potholes or cracks, creating safer and smoother journeys for motorists.

“It is essential for the safety of road workers and motorists that we close the carriageway during these works, however we’ve scheduled them overnight in order to minimise any disruption.

“We thank motorists in advance for their patience while our teams carry out these improvements.”

Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead before setting out by checking the Traffic Scotland website www.trafficscotland.org for up to date travel information and allowing extra time for their journey.