A6091 Galafoot Bridge | Major Refurbishment Works

The programme of major works to refurbish the deck of Galafoot Bridge on the A6091 has now been confirmed, following the conclusion of a tender process to appoint a contractor.

Traffic management will include a six to ten-week closure to eastbound traffic, a series of full overnight bridge closures, off-peak temporary traffic lights, and a partial closure of the Boleside Road car park.

Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland is managing the project, and VolkerLaser has been appointed to carry out resurfacing of the bridge’s carriageway and footpaths and renewal of waterproofing. Concrete repairs will be completed as required following removal of the existing waterproofing, and the bridge parapets will be improved. Geo-Structural has been appointed to carry out works on the underside of the bridge.

One-way bridge

From 5 October, the A6091 over Galafoot Bridge will remain open to westbound traffic only while re-waterproofing and resurfacing works are completed. This traffic management arrangement will continue for between six and ten weeks, depending on weather conditions.

For most vehicles, the eastbound diversion route will be from Kingsknowe Roundabout to Tweedbank Roundabout via the A7 southbound and the B6360 northbound, adding an estimated 3.9 miles, which will increase journey times.  

To help traffic flow on narrower sections of this route, a one-way system will be in operation on the B6360 between the A7 and Abbotsford House. Traffic on the A6091 wishing to reach this section of the B6360 will be diverted via Kingsknowe Roundabout south on the A7 to join the B6360 northbound. Abbotsford House will remain open and accessible from Tweedbank Roundabout via the two-way section of the B6360.

Eastbound HGV traffic on the A6091 will be diverted via the A7 south to Selkirk, then along the A699, A68 and A6091 to Tweedbank Roundabout.

Access over Galafoot Bridge for emergency services will be maintained at all times.

Full overnight closures

A series of full overnight bridge closures to traffic in both directions will be required as part of the project. These closures have been provisionally scheduled for between 19:30 and 06:00 on the nights of 4 October, 24 October, 12-17 November, and 29 November.

On these nights, a diversion route for westbound trunk road traffic will be signposted from Tweedbank Roundabout to Kingsknowe Roundabout via the A6091 eastbound, the A68 southbound, the A699 westbound, and the A7 northbound.

Temporary traffic lights

During works to improve the parapets, there will be temporary traffic lights on the approaches to Galafoot Bridge during off-peak hours. These are currently expected to be in place from 30 November for two weeks.

Car park restrictions

Half of the Boleside Road car park below the bridge will be closed from 5 October for the duration of the works. Off-peak temporary traffic lights will be in place on Boleside Road, and the Black Path immediately below the bridge will be closed for safety.

Improved resilience

David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Bridges Manager, said: “We need to refurbish the deck of Galafoot Bridge to ensure it can continue to provide safe and reliable service into the future. The existing layer of waterproofing under the surface course has failed, causing the road surface to break up prematurely. This waterproofing needs to be replaced to reduce the need for repeated repairs and to prevent longer term damage to the concrete below.

“We are confident that we can improve the resilience of the new road surface. Throughout the design process we have liaised with our specialist supply chain and manufacturers to develop a specification for the waterproofing and surfacing materials that will provide improved resilience and a longer service life.

“We’re also pleased that we will be able to improve the parapets as part of these works, in response to requests from the community.

“Although we now have a confirmed programme of works, precise dates may still be subject to change as design and procurement progresses. The overall duration will depend on weather conditions and the extent of concrete repairs found to be required.

“We will keep the community informed as the project progresses.”

Consultation has been carried out with emergency services and other stakeholders in advance of the works, to share information about the project and minimise any inconvenience.