A702 to be closed in both directions for resurfacing work - diversions arranged

Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland will carry out the project.

Working hours will be between 19:30 and 06:30 each night, with works beginning at 19:30 on Monday 29 August and finishing at 06:30 in the morning on Thursday 1 September.

For the safety of workers and road users, the A702 will be closed in both directions while work takes place, with signed diversion routes in place for traffic.

Northbound traffic will be diverted off the A702 at the A766 junction, through Penicuik and onto the A701, before taking the first exit at Gowkleymoss Roundabout onto Bush Loan Road then turning right to re-join the A702 at Easter Howgate.

Similarly, southbound traffic will be diverted off the A702 at Easter Howgate and re-join at the A766 junction. These diversion routes will add an estimated 7 minutes and 1.8 miles to affected journeys.

All traffic management will be removed outwith 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 near Braidwood Estate 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 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.