• Lane closures on bridge until February 2025

• Some overnight closures – dates to be confirmed

A major project begins on 19 August to refurbish and replace the bearings on the A68 Earlston Bridge spanning Leader Water.

Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland will carry out the work over approximately five months between August 2024 and February 2025.

During this period, lane closures will be in place on the A68 across Earlston Bridge south of Earlston town:

• 19 August to 23 August 2024, between 09:30 and 16:00: Lane closure with temporary traffic lights
• 14 October 2024 to February 2025: Lane closures with temporary traffic lights and a temporary barrier system.

The bridge will remain open to pedestrians during these lane closures, with footpath diversions in place.

No traffic management will be required from 24 August to 13 October, as the team will be working underneath the bridge.

Some overnight closures of the A68 south of Earlston will be required during the project, with a diversion route in place. Details of these closures will be published as soon as they are confirmed.

The site compound will be located in the layby to the south of the bridge, where Myra’s Snack Hut is usually situated. Myra’s Snack Hut has been temporarily moved to the layby approximately 400m further south and will operate as normal.

Dave Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “The bearings on Earlston Bridge are nearing the end of their service life and need to be replaced.

“We’ve planned the works to cause as little disruption as possible, however lane closures and some overnight road closures will be required. We’ll keep the public updated as soon as further details are confirmed.”

Consultation is being carried out with emergency services and relevant stakeholders to share information about the works in advance.

Live traffic information is available on the Traffic Scotland website www.traffic.gov.scot or on X at @trafficscotland.