PLANNED resurfacing work on the A68 has been extended by two night to allow for areas of deteriorated carriageway within the junction along the trunk road and council boundaries to be treated.

The road is now set to benefit from an improved road surface, with eight nights of resurfacing works scheduled on 13-17 and 20-22 February, followed by a drainage investigation on the nights of 23 and 24 February.

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The resurfacing works will see Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland resurface 1,400 metres of carriageway, creating smoother and safer journeys for motorists.

To ensure the safety of roadworkers and the public during these works, the A68 will be closed in both directions at the following locations, from 19:30 until 06:00 each night:

Monday February 13 to Wednesday February 15  – The A68 will be closed in both directions between the A699 at St Boswells and the A698 at Bonjedward. 

A signed diversion route will be in place between via the A699 and the A698, adding an estimated 12 miles and 14 minutes to affected journeys.

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Thursday February 16 to Friday February 17 & Monday February 20 to Tuesday February 21  – The A68 will be closed in both directions between the A698 at Ancrum and the A6088 at the English border.

A signed diversion route will be in place via the A698 and the A6088, adding an estimated 10 miles and 15 minutes to affected journeys.

 

Wednesday February 22- The A68 will be closed in both directions between the A6106 junction and the B6372 junction.

A signed diversion route will be in place via A6106, Edgehead Road and the B6372, adding an estimated 7 minutes and 3.6 miles onto affected journeys.

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Thursday February 23 to Friday February 24 – The A68 will be closed in both directions between Millerhill Junction on the A720 and Fordel Mains Junction.

A signed diversion route will be in place via Sheriffhall Roundabout on the A720, the A6094 and the A6106, adding an estimated 3 miles and 9 minutes to affected journeys.

Emergency services will be given access through the works at all times and local access for residents within the closure points will be maintained when it is safe to pass through the work area.

Relevant stakeholders have been consulted in advance to make them aware of the plans. 

Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s South East Network Manager, said: “These surfacing improvements will help to address the defects on these sections of the A68 and will greatly improve the experience for motorists. 

“It is essential for safety that we close the road during these works, however we’ve arranged for the project to take place overnight to minimise the impact.

“We thank motorists and the local community in advance for their patience and understanding. We’ll do all we can to complete the work as quickly and safely as possible.”

Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.traffic.gov.scot, or on Twitter at @trafficscotland.