15:30, 11 September 2020
Temporary traffic lights on the A68 near Fala have been removed following the completion of works adjacent to the carriageway. The A68 is now fully open.
The A68 reopened to traffic on the morning of Monday 7 September, however traffic lights have been in place since then for the safety of workers and road users while surfacing of the footpath, further drainage improvements and landscaping were completed.
A severe weather incident in the early hours of Wednesday 12 August 2020, on the A68 /B6367 from Pathhead to the B6458 at Fala Dam, resulted in damage to the carriageway as the 20-metre-deep embankment below it failed. As a result, a full closure of the A68 was in place, with a signed diversion route in operation.
Initial works included clearing and stabilising the site and securing 5,000 tonnes of stone to rebuild the embankment. Utility companies then completed works to relocate services, allowing phase two of the rockfill to continue.
The embankment was then built back up close to road level and phase three of the repairs commenced, including construction of kerbing, road drainage, the footpath and, critically, the roadside safety barrier (Vehicle Restraint System). The surface layers of the new road were then laid down and road markings added.
Each stage was carefully programmed and coordinated to minimise the overall timeline without compromising safety or quality of construction.
14:00, 7 September 2020
The A68 near Fala has reopened to traffic following the completion of repairs to the carriageway, initially under traffic lights with a view to these being removed later in the week.
The trunk road had been closed near Fala since a section was destroyed in a storm in the early hours of 12 August. A 20-metre-high embankment collapsed, leaving a large gap in the carriageway.
An estimated 5,000 tonnes of rock were used to rebuild the embankment and repairs continued over the weekend with the completion of the roadside safety barrier, carriageway surfacing and road markings.
The road was reopened to traffic in both directions at 05:20 this morning.
Traffic lights will be in place until later this week while final works are carried out, including surfacing of the footpath, further drainage improvements and landscaping.
Repairs continued through the night
The newly repaired A68 just before it reopened at 05:20
A severe weather incident in the early hours of Wednesday 12 August 2020, on the A68 /B6367 from Pathhead to the B6458 at Fala Dam, resulted in damage to the carriageway as the 20-metre-deep embankment below it failed. As a result, a full closure of the A68 was in place, with a signed diversion route in operation.
Initial progress included clearing and stabilising the site and securing 5,000 tonnes of stone to rebuild the embankment. Utility companies then completed works to relocate services, allowing phase two of the rockfill to continue.
The embankment was then built back up close to road level and phase three of the repairs commenced, including construction of kerbing, road drainage, the footpath and, critically, the roadside safety barrier (Vehicle Restraint System). The surface layers of the new road were then laid down and road markings added.
Each stage was carefully programmed and coordinated to minimise the overall timeline without compromising safety or quality of construction.
16:45, 5 September 2020
Work to repair the storm-damaged A68 trunk road near Fala continued today, with the completion of the foundation and post installation for the roadside safety barrier (Vehicle Restraint System).
Tomorrow will see the completion of the barrier build and also road surfacing and white lining.
The A68 will reopen to traffic on Monday 7 September, initially under traffic lights with a view to these being removed later in the week.
A severe weather incident in the early hours of Wednesday 12 August 2020, on the A68 /B6367 from Pathhead to the B6458 at Fala Dam, resulted in damage to the carriageway as the 20-metre-deep embankment below it failed. As a result, a full closure of the A68 is in place, with a signed diversion route in operation.
Initial progress included clearing and stabilising the site and securing 5,000 tonnes of stone to rebuild the embankment. Utility companies then completed works to relocate services, allowing phase two of the rockfill to continue.
The embankment has now been built back up close to road level and phase three of the repairs is under way, which includes construction of kerbing, road drainage, the footpath and, critically, the roadside safety barrier (Vehicle Restraint System). The surface layers of the new road will then be laid down and road markings added.
Each stage has been carefully programmed and coordinated to minimise the overall timeline without compromising safety or quality of construction.
Northbound traffic is diverted to the A6091 and at the junction with the A7 will travel via Galashiels, Stow and Fountainhall. From here, vehicles join the B6458 to re-join the A68 at Tynehead junction. Southbound traffic should follow the same diversion in the opposite direction.
Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, the new mobile site my.trafficscotland.org or twitter at @trafficscotland.
16:00, 4 September 2020
The A68 trunk road near Fala will reopen to traffic on Monday 7 September, with new road surfacing, safety barrier and white lining on track to be completed over the weekend.
It is intended that the road will reopen initially under traffic lights, with a view to these being removed later in the week. This is to allow finishing works on the verge, footpath construction and further drainage clearance to be completed safely.
A section of the A68 trunk road was destroyed in a storm in the early hours of 12 August, causing a 20-metre-high embankment to collapse and leave a large gap in the carriageway.
BEAR Scotland took over from Amey as Transport Scotland’s operating company for the South East of Scotland on 16 August. Work to stabilise the site had already begun and, with many staff transferring to BEAR Scotland, progress continued without delay.
A three-phase programme of repairs was immediately implemented. First, the site was cleared and 5,000 tonnes of rock procured to rebuild the embankment. Utility services running under the road had to be diverted before the embankment could be rebuilt back up to road level in phase two. The final phase to construct the safety barrier, kerbing, footpath, drainage and the road itself began earlier this week.
Andy Thompson, BEAR Scotland’s representative for the South East, said: “From the moment BEAR Scotland took over, our priority has been to get the A68 rebuilt and reopened as quickly and safely as possible.
“It’s been a real team effort to reach this stage, from the engineers designing, planning and supervising the repairs, to the workforce on site operating the machinery and carrying out construction work.
“We’ve been very aware of the impact of the closure on road users and local communities, and a great deal of work has gone into liaising with local authorities and other stakeholders to mitigate the disruption and keep the public informed.
“We’re grateful for the patience and understanding everyone has shown and are pleased that traffic will soon be able to use this important route once again.”
A severe weather incident in the early hours of Wednesday 12 August 2020, on the A68 /B6367 from Pathhead to the B6458 at Fala Dam, resulted in damage to the carriageway as the 20-metre-deep embankment below it failed. As a result, a full closure of the A68 is in place, with a signed diversion route in operation.
Initial progress included clearing and stabilising the site and securing 5,000 tonnes of stone to rebuild the embankment. Utility companies then completed works to relocate services, allowing phase two of the rockfill to continue.
The embankment has now been built back up close to road level and phase three of the repairs is under way, which includes construction of kerbing, road drainage, the footpath and, critically, the roadside safety barrier (Vehicle Restraint System). The surface layers of the new road will then be laid down and road markings added.
Each stage has been carefully programmed and coordinated to minimise the overall timeline without compromising safety or quality of construction.
Northbound traffic is diverted to the A6091 and at the junction with the A7 will travel via Galashiels, Stow and Fountainhall. From here, vehicles join the B6458 to re-join the A68 at Tynehead junction. Southbound traffic should follow the same diversion in the opposite direction.
Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, the new mobile site my.trafficscotland.org or twitter at @trafficscotland.
12:30, 3 September 2020
Construction work is continuing to replace the section of the A68 trunk road that was destroyed in a storm on 12 August.
With the collapsed embankment now rebuilt close to road level, today will also see the commencement of the installation of kerbing and ducts for utility services, work on the footpath and clearing existing surfacing from the road.
BEAR Scotland’s engineers are confident that repairs can be completed and the road reopened early next week, weather permitting.
A severe weather incident in the early hours of Wednesday 12 August 2020, on the A68 /B6367 from Pathhead to the B6458 at Fala Dam, resulted in damage to the carriageway as the 20-metre-deep embankment below it failed. As a result, a full closure of the A68 is in place, with a signed diversion route in operation.
Initial progress included clearing and stabilising the site and securing 5,000 tonnes of stone to rebuild the embankment. Utility companies then completed works to relocate services, allowing phase two of the rockfill to continue.
The embankment has now been built back up close to road level and phase three of the repairs is under way, which includes construction of kerbing, road drainage, the footpath and, critically, the roadside safety barrier (Vehicle Restraint System). The surface layers of the new road will then be laid down and road markings added.
Each stage is being carefully programmed and coordinated to minimise the overall timeline without compromising safety or quality of construction.
The road is expected to reopen early next week.
Northbound traffic is diverted to the A6091 and at the junction with the A7 will travel via Galashiels, Stow and Fountainhall. From here, vehicles join the B6458 to re-join the A68 at Tynehead junction. Southbound traffic should follow the same diversion in the opposite direction.
Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, the new mobile site my.trafficscotland.org or twitter at @trafficscotland.
2 September, 3.30pm
Phase three of the project to repair the A68 is proceeding today, with the storm-damaged embankment now built back up close to road level and the collapsed area being benched into the existing road.
Next steps include construction of kerbing, road drainage, the footpath and, critically, the roadside safety barrier (Vehicle Restraint System). The surface layers of the new road will then be laid down and road markings added.
Each stage is being carefully programmed and coordinated to minimise the overall timeline without compromising safety or quality of construction.
A severe weather incident in the early hours of Wednesday 12 August 2020, on the A68 /B6367 from Pathhead to the B6458 at Fala Dam, resulted in damage to the carriageway as the 20-metre-deep embankment below it failed. As a result, a full closure of the A68 is in place, with a signed diversion route in operation.
Initial progress included clearing and stabilising the site and securing 5,000 tonnes of stone to rebuild the embankment. Utility companies then completed works to relocate services, allowing phase two of the rockfill to continue.
The embankment has now been built back up close to road level and phase three of the repairs has begun, in which the road itself and associated infrastructure such as drainage, kerbing and the roadside safety barrier will be constructed.
The road is expected to reopen early next week.
Northbound traffic is diverted to the A6091 and at the junction with the A7 will travel via Galashiels, Stow and Fountainhall. From here, vehicles join the B6458 to re-join the A68 at Tynehead junction. Southbound traffic should follow the same diversion in the opposite direction.
Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, the new mobile site my.trafficscotland.org or twitter at @trafficscotland.
16:00, 1 September 2020
The A68 is expected to reopen early next week, with BEAR Scotland’s repairs to the collapsed embankment near Fala on track for completion as programmed.
The embankment has now been built back up close to road level and phase three of the repairs has begun, in which the road itself and associated infrastructure such as drainage, kerbing and the roadside safety barrier will be constructed.
Andy Thompson, BEAR Scotland’s representative for the South East, said: “The team has made excellent progress and we’re confident that we will be able to reopen the A68 early next week.
“We’re very aware of the impact that this closure has had on road users and local communities and have been doing everything in our power to get these repairs completed safely as soon as possible. I’d like to thank everyone for their patience while we complete the final phase of the works.”
A severe weather incident in the early hours of Wednesday 12 August 2020, on the A68 /B6367 from Pathhead to the B6458 at Fala Dam, resulted in damage to the carriageway as the 20-metre-deep embankment below it failed. As a result, a full closure of the A68 is in place, with a signed diversion route in operation.
Progress to date includes clearing and stabilising the site, securing 5,000 tonnes of stone to rebuild the embankment. Utility companies have completed works to relocate services, allowing phase two of the rockfill to continue up to road level. Access to the site has gradually become easier as the collapsed embankment is built back up to road level. Each day up to 500 tonnes of rock have been added, increasing the height of the infill by several metres.
Northbound traffic is diverted to the A6091 and at the junction with the A7 will travel via Galashiels, Stow and Fountainhall. From here, vehicles join the B6458 to re-join the A68 at Tynehead junction. Southbound traffic should follow the same diversion in the opposite direction.
Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, the new mobile site my.trafficscotland.org or twitter at @trafficscotland.
Monday 31 August, 12.30pm
Repairs to the damaged A68 near Fala made good progress over the weekend.
The embankment that collapsed in the storm earlier this month has now been built back up close to road level and the upper layers of finer material are being laid down.
Construction of the road itself and associated infrastructure such as foundations for the roadside safety barrier are expected to begin later this week.
A severe weather incident in the early hours of Wednesday 12 August 2020, on the A68 /B6367 from Pathhead to the B6458 at Fala Dam, resulted in damage to the carriageway as the 20-metre-deep embankment below it failed. As a result, a full closure of the A68 is in place, with a signed diversion route in operation.
Progress to date includes clearing and stabilising the site, securing 5,000 tonnes of stone to rebuild the embankment. Utility companies have completed works to relocate services, allowing phase two of the rockfill to continue up to road level.
Access to the site has gradually become easier as the collapsed embankment is built back up to road level. Each day up to 500 tonnes of rock are being added, increasing the height of the infill by several metres.
BEAR Scotland’s engineers are confident that repairs can be completed and the road reopened in early September, however this timescale remains weather dependent.
Northbound traffic is diverted to the A6091 and at the junction with the A7 will travel via Galashiels, Stow and Fountainhall. From here, vehicles join the B6458 to re-join the A68 at Tynehead junction. Southbound traffic should follow the same diversion in the opposite direction.
Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, the new mobile site my.trafficscotland.org or twitter at @trafficscotland.
Friday 28 August, 4pm
The progress of repairs to the damaged A68 near Fala is accelerating, with access gradually becoming easier as the collapsed embankment is built back up to road level. Each day up to 500 tonnes of rock are being added, increasing the height of the infill by several metres.
BEAR Scotland’s engineers are confident that repairs can be completed and the road reopened in early September, however this timescale remains weather dependent.
Meanwhile, Police Scotland are advising drivers to stick to the official signed diversion route.
Trunk Roads Police Inspector David Hynd said “All drivers passing through the area while the A68 remains closed should use the signed Standard Incident Diversion Route via the A7. This is the most suitable route for trunk road traffic and is operating well with no significant delays.
“It is particularly important that drivers of heavy goods vehicles follow the signed diversion, as there are sections on other local routes where it is difficult for two large vehicles to pass, creating potential safety issues and damage to the road network.”
A severe weather incident in the early hours of Wednesday 12 August 2020, on the A68 /B6367 from Pathhead to the B6458 at Fala Dam, resulted in damage to the carriageway as the 20-metre-deep embankment below it failed. As a result, a full closure of the A68 is in place, with a signed diversion route in operation.
Progress to date includes clearing and stabilising the site, securing 5,000 tonnes of stone to rebuild the embankment and initial layers of stone being laid down. Utility companies have now completed works to relocate services, allowing phase two of the rockfill to continue up to road level. Over 2,000 tonnes of rock have been laid down so far.
BEAR Scotland’s engineers are confident that repairs can be completed and the road reopened in early September, however this timescale remains weather dependent.
Northbound traffic is diverted to the A6091 and at the junction with the A7 will travel via Galashiels, Stow and Fountainhall. From here, vehicles join the B6458 to re-join the A68 at Tynehead junction. Southbound traffic should follow the same diversion in the opposite direction.
Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, the new mobile site my.trafficscotland.org or twitter at @trafficscotland.
Thursday 27 August, 4.30pm
Work to repair the damaged A68 near Fala is continuing, with additional layers of rock being installed to build the collapsed embankment back up to road level.
With utility diversion works now complete, rock deliveries can be made from the south of the site, which will reduce the amount of construction traffic using local roads.
The signed diversion route via the A7 continues to operate well with no significant delays being experienced.
BEAR Scotland’s engineers are confident that repairs can be completed and the road reopened in early September, however this timescale remains weather dependent.
A severe weather incident in the early hours of Wednesday 12 August 2020, on the A68 /B6367 from Pathhead to the B6458 at Fala Dam, resulted in damage to the carriageway as the 20-metre-deep embankment below it failed. As a result, a full closure of the A68 is in place, with a signed diversion route in operation.
Progress to date includes clearing and stabilising the site, securing 5,000 tonnes of stone to rebuild the embankment and initial layers of stone being laid down. Utility companies have now completed works to relocate services, allowing phase two of the rockfill to continue up to road level. Over 2,000 tonnes of rock have been laid down so far.
BEAR Scotland’s engineers are confident that repairs can be completed and the road reopened in early September, however this timescale remains weather dependent.
Northbound traffic is diverted to the A6091 and at the junction with the A7 will travel via Galashiels, Stow and Fountainhall. From here, vehicles join the B6458 to re-join the A68 at Tynehead junction. Southbound traffic should follow the same diversion in the opposite direction.
Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, the new mobile site my.trafficscotland.org or twitter at @trafficscotland.
Wednesday 26 August, 4.30pm
Phase two of the project to repair the collapsed embankment on the A68 near Fala is well under way after works by utility companies to divert services were completed last night.
A further 3,000 tonnes of rock will be laid down to build the 20-metre embankment back up to road level before the road itself is reinstated in phase three.
With weather conditions now improving, BEAR Scotland’s engineers are confident that repairs can be completed and the road reopened in early September, however this timescale remains weather dependent.
A severe weather incident in the early hours of Wednesday 12 August 2020, on the A68 /B6367 from Pathhead to the B6458 at Fala Dam, resulted in damage to the carriageway as the 20-metre-deep embankment below it failed. As a result, a full closure of the A68 is in place, with a signed diversion route in operation.
Progress to date includes clearing and stabilising the site, securing 5,000 tonnes of stone to rebuild the embankment and initial layers of stone being laid down. Work reached a milestone at the weekend with the completion of the first phase of rock infill. Approximately 2,000 tonnes of rock have been laid down so far.
Critical works by utility companies to complete the relocation of services are ongoing. The completion of this will allow phase two of the rockfill to continue up to road level.
BEAR Scotland’s engineers aim to complete repairs by early September. This timescale is weather dependent.
Northbound traffic is diverted to the A6091 and at the junction with the A7 will travel via Galashiels, Stow and Fountainhall. From here, vehicles join the B6458 to re-join the A68 at Tynehead junction. Southbound traffic should follow the same diversion in the opposite direction.
Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, the new mobile site my.trafficscotland.org or twitter at @trafficscotland.
Tuesday 25 August, 4.30PM
Critical works by utility companies to relocate services away from the damaged embankment are expected to be completed tonight. This will allow phase two of the rockfill to continue up to road level.
Conditions on site are wet, with wind and rain forecast all day, however this is not expected to disrupt progress. Mitigation measures have been put in place to deal with increased rainfall and to reduce the potential for further damage.
BEAR Scotland continues to liaise with local authorities to encourage use of the official signed diversion route via the A7 and to help local businesses affected by the closure of the A68. Signage is being adjusted and added to as required.
A severe weather incident in the early hours of Wednesday 12 August 2020, on the A68 /B6367 from Pathhead to the B6458 at Fala Dam, resulted in damage to the carriageway as the 20-metre-deep embankment below it failed. As a result, a full closure of the A68 is in place, with a signed diversion route in operation.
Progress to date includes clearing and stabilising the site, securing 5,000 tonnes of stone to rebuild the embankment and initial layers of stone being laid down. Work reached a milestone at the weekend with the completion of the first phase of rock infill. Approximately 2,000 tonnes of rock have been laid down so far.
Critical works by utility companies to complete the relocation of services are ongoing. The completion of this will allow phase two of the rockfill to continue up to road level.
BEAR Scotland’s engineers aim to complete repairs by early September. This timescale is weather dependent.
Northbound traffic is diverted to the A6091 and at the junction with the A7 will travel via Galashiels, Stow and Fountainhall. From here, vehicles join the B6458 to re-join the A68 at Tynehead junction. Southbound traffic should follow the same diversion in the opposite direction.
Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, the new mobile site my.trafficscotland.org or twitter at @trafficscotland.
Monday 24 August, 2.30pm
Work to repair the damaged A68 near Fala reached a milestone at the weekend with the completion of the first phase of rock infill. Approximately 2,000 tonnes of rock have been laid down so far.
Critical works by utility companies to complete the relocation of services are ongoing. The completion of this will allow phase two of the rockfill to continue up to road level.
Heavy rain is forecast tomorrow and a review of the site is being undertaken and mitigation measures put in place where required to reduce the potential for further damage.
BEAR Scotland continues to liaise with local authorities to encourage use of the official signed diversion route via the A7. This route continues to operate well with no significant delays being experienced.
A severe weather incident in the early hours of Wednesday 12 August 2020, on the A68 /B6367 from Pathhead to the B6458 at Fala Dam, resulted in damage to the carriageway as the 20-metre-deep embankment below it failed. As a result, a full closure of the A68 is in place, with a signed diversion route in operation.
Progress to date includes clearing and stabilising the site, securing 5,000 tonnes of stone to rebuild the embankment and initial layers of stone being laid down. Utility companies are also on site to complete the temporary diversion of fibre optic cables to enable the repair.
BEAR Scotland’s engineers aim to complete repairs by early September. This timescale is weather dependent.
Northbound traffic is diverted to the A6091 and at the junction with the A7 will travel via Galashiels, Stow and Fountainhall. From here, vehicles join the B6458 to re-join the A68 at Tynehead junction. Southbound traffic should follow the same diversion in the opposite direction.
Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, the new mobile site my.trafficscotland.org or twitter at @trafficscotland.
Friday 21 August, 3.30pm
Work to repair the damaged A68 near Fala is progressing on schedule today.
Machines are being used to add additional layers of rock infill to the collapsed embankment.
Works by utility companies to temporarily relocate services away from the damaged area continue and are due for completion this weekend.
Strong winds and intermittent rain showers are forecast, however this has not hampered progress and is not expected to cause delays.
The official signed diversion route via the A7 continues to operate well with no significant delays being experienced. Road users are encouraged to stick to this route.
A severe weather incident in the early hours of Wednesday 12 August 2020, on the A68 /B6367 from Pathhead to the B6458 at Fala Dam, resulted in damage to the carriageway as the 20-metre-deep embankment below it failed. As a result, a full closure of the A68 is in place, with a signed diversion route is in operation.
Progress to date includes clearing and stabilising the site, securing 5,000 tonnes of stone to rebuild the embankment and initial layers of stone being laid down. Utility companies are also on site to complete the temporary diversion of fibre optic cables to enable the repair.
BEAR Scotland’s engineers aim to complete repairs by early September. This timescale is weather dependent.
Northbound traffic is diverted to the A6091 and at the junction with the A7 will travel via Galashiels, Stow and Fountainhall. From here, vehicles join the B6458 to re-join the A68 at Tynehead junction. Southbound traffic should follow the same diversion in the opposite direction.
Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, the new mobile site my.trafficscotland.org or twitter at @trafficscotland.
Thursday 20 August, 11am
Engineers from BEAR Scotland aim to complete repairs to the A68 near Fala by early September. This timescale is weather dependent.
Andy Thompson, BEAR Scotland’s South East Representative said: “We now have a detailed programme for the remainder of these works. We’ve considered how to minimise the timescale for each step and are optimistic that we can reopen the A68 by early September, barring further severe weather or unforeseen issues.
“The repair is being carried out in three phases. We’ve already made good progress on the first phase stabilising the site, diverting utilities and putting down initial layers of stone. In the second phase we will complete the 5,000 tonne rock infill to bring the collapsed embankment up to road level. The final phase is to complete the rebuild of the road itself, including reinstatement of the roadside barrier, drainage and lining.
“I’m grateful to road users and local communities for their patience while these works continue. Please rest assured we are doing everything in our power to get the A68 reopened as soon as possible and to minimise the disruption caused.”
A severe weather incident in the early hours of Wednesday 12 August 2020, on the A68 /B6367 from Pathhead to the B6458 at Fala Dam, resulted in damage to the carriageway as the 20-metre-deep embankment below it failed. As a result, a full closure of the A68 is in place, with a signed diversion route is in operation.
Progress to date includes clearing and stabilising the site, securing 5,000 tonnes of stone to rebuild the embankment and initial layers of stone being laid down. Utility companies are also on site to complete the temporary diversion of fibre optic cables to enable the repair.
Northbound traffic is diverted to the A6091 and at the junction with the A7 will travel via Galashiels, Stow and Fountainhall. From here, vehicles join the B6458 to re-join the A68 at Tynehead junction. Southbound traffic should follow the same diversion in the opposite direction.
Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, the new mobile site my.trafficscotland.org or twitter at @trafficscotland.
Wednesday 19 August, 6.30pm
The repair of the A68 trunk road has progressed well today with over two layers of rockfill being established at the base of the 20 metre embankment that failed in extreme weather conditions last week.
Progress on site has benefited from extended working hours agreed with the local quarry supplying the 5,000 tonnes of stone required to reinstate the slope.
Additionally, utilities companies have continued work to temporarily divert services to allow the repair to be completed safely.
The expert team involved in the repair are liaising closely with local authorities in relation to the impact of the closure.
A severe weather incident in the early hours of Wednesday 12 August 2020, on the A68 /B6367 from Pathhead to the B6458 at Fala Dam, resulted in damage to the carriageway as the 20-metre-deep embankment below it failed. As a result, a full closure of the A68 is in place, with a signed diversion route is in operation.
Progress to date includes clearing and stabilising the site, securing 5,000 tonnes of stone to rebuild the embankment and initial layers of stone being laid down. Utility companies are also on site to complete the temporary diversion of fibre optic cables to enable the repair.
Northbound traffic is diverted to the A6091 and at the junction with the A7 will travel via Galashiels, Stow and Fountainhall. From here, vehicles join the B6458 to re-join the A68 at Tynehead junction. Southbound traffic should follow the same diversion in the opposite direction.
Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, the new mobile site my.trafficscotland.org or twitter at @trafficscotland.
Tuesday 18 August, 4pm
Good progress is being made on the repair of the A68 trunk road with a full programme timetable set to be confirmed soon.
The team has been working hard to prepare the site for the complex repair. This has included stabilising the 20-meter-deep embankment, liaising with utility suppliers to divert services and securing the 5,000 tonnes of stone to rebuild the embankment.
Work has started with the initial layers of stone being laid at the base of the embankment. Utility companies are also on site to complete the temporary diversion of fibre optic cables to enable the repair.
Andy Thompson, BEAR Scotland’s South East Representative said: “This is a complex repair and it is important we get it right as this is a key trunk road. Works are already underway and we will be doing all we can to minimise disruption while the repair is undertaken.
“In the meantime, we appreciate there is an impact on road users and the local communities. We are working closely with Local Authorities and continue to encourage the use of the official diversion route.
“We thank the local community and road users for their patience while we do everything we can to address the large scale failure of the embankment after the extremely challenging weather last week.”
A severe weather incident in the early hours of Wednesday 12 August 2020, on the A68 /B6367 from Pathhead to the B6458 at Fala Dam, resulted in damage to the carriageway as the embankment below it failed. As a result, a full closure of the A68 is in place, with a signed diversion route is in operation.
Northbound traffic is diverted to the A6091 and at the junction with the A7 will travel via Galashiels, Stow and Fountainhall. From here, vehicles join the B6458 to re-join the A68 at Tynehead junction. Southbound traffic should follow the same diversion in the opposite direction.
Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, the new mobile site my.trafficscotland.org or twitter at @trafficscotland.
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