A68 Earlston Bridge | Resurfacing Works
Works to repair the road surface on the A68 at Earlston Bridge are set to begin on Monday 18 August.
Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland will carry out the project, which is anticipated to last for approximately four weeks and will require various phases of traffic management. Occasional full overnight closures will be required, and traffic over the bridge will be controlled with temporary traffic lights at all other times during the works.
Some delays are expected during peak times when temporary traffic lights are in operation. Traffic volume will be monitored and, if necessary, the lights will be under manual control at peak times. The pedestrian footways over the bridge will not be affected.
The first overnight closure is planned for the night of Monday 18 August between 19:30 and 06:00, when the A68 will be closed in both directions between Earlston and Ravenswood Roundabout.
A diversion route suitable for trunk road traffic will be signposted via the A6105 and the A6089 through Kelso, the A699 to St Boswells and the A68. This will add approximately 25 miles and 32 minutes to affected journeys.
Further closures are anticipated to take place on either Friday 29 August or Monday 1 September, and either Friday 12 September or Monday 15 September, when the road will again be closed in both directions between 19:30 and 06:00.
Pedestrians and cyclists will be escorted over the bridge during the closures when it is safe to do so.
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.
David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “This programme of repairs is key to ensuring the structural integrity of this bridge.
“The works have been planned to minimise disruption to road users as far as possible, however some delays are to be expected, especially during peak times.
“Full closures of the road are essential for the safety of motorists and our workforce. These will be limited to overnight hours to minimise any disruption, and we will confirm the dates of future closures as early as possible.
“We thank road users in advance for their patience and understanding. Our advice is to plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey if you need to travel on this route.”
How to get the latest travel and traffic information
For full information on roadworks on trunk roads in the north-west and south-east of Scotland, visit the Bear Scotland website.
You can report a defect on the network by filling out this form.
Follow Bear Scotland on X at @bear_scotland and at @SETrunkRoads.