RESURFACING works on the A7 north and south of Lilliesleaf Junction will now commence on the night of Friday 18 August and conclude on the night of Thursday 31 August, 24 hours later than originally advertised.

The A7 is set to benefit from an improved road surface, with a total of ten nights of resurfacing with no work on weekends.

The works will see Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland resurface 1.3 kilometres of carriageway north and south of Lilliesleaf Junction.

READ MORE: Maroon'd@Gala Festival attracts around 1,000 rugby players

To ensure the safety of roadworkers and the public during these works, the A7 will be closed in both directions between Hawick and Selkirk from 19:30 until 06:00 each night on 18, 21-25 and 28-31 August. Local access will be permitted up to the point of the hard closure around the works.

A signed diversion route will be in place between Hawick and Selkirk via the A698, A68 and A699, adding approximately 14.4 miles and 24 minutes to affected journeys.

BEAR Scotland’s South East Network Manager Tommy Deans said: “It’s essential for safety that we close the road while these works are in progress, however we’ve scheduled them at night in order to minimise disruption.

READ MORE: Boiler company announces expansion into the Scottish Borders

“We’re grateful to road users and local communities for their patience and understanding while we deliver these essential improvements.”

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.

READ MORE: Update: Woman taken to hospital following collision in Peebles

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

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

All work is weather dependent and subject to postponement or cancellation in the event of adverse conditions.