A6091 Galafoot | Bridge Refurbishments

Works on site to refurbish the deck of Galafoot Bridge on the A6091 are set to begin on the night of Sunday 4 October and continue for six to ten weeks.

Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland is managing the project, which includes resurfacing of the bridge’s carriageway and footpaths, renewal of waterproofing, concrete repairs, parapet improvements, and maintenance on the underside of the bridge.

Full overnight closures

A series of full overnight bridge closures to traffic in both directions is scheduled, between 20:00 and 06:00 on the nights of 4, 5, 6 and 22 October, and 8, 9, 12-18 and 29 November.

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.

Diversion routes

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.

During full overnight bridge closures, 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.

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

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.

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.

Improved resilience

David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Bridges Manager, said: “On 4 October we will begin work on site to refurbish the deck of Galafoot Bridge.

“The existing layer of waterproofing under the surface course has failed and needs to be replaced, both to reduce the requirement 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.

“Works are expected to take between six and ten weeks to complete, however the overall duration will depend on weather conditions and the extent of concrete repairs found to be required.”