• Overnight road works at three locations from 20 – 22 March 2023

The A68 is set to benefit from an improved road surface, with three nights of improvements works scheduled on 20 – 22 March.

The works will see Transport Scotland’s operating company, BEAR Scotland, improve road markings across approximately 4.8km of the A68 and resurface 230 metres of carriageway, creating smoother and safer journeys for motorists.

To ensure the safety of roadworkers and the public during these works, the A68 will be closed in both directions for 2 nights at the following locations, from 19:30 until 06:00 each night:

• Monday 20 March – The A68 will be closed in both directions between the A698 at Ancrum and the A6088 at the English border. A signed diversion route will be in place via the A698 and the A6088, adding an estimated 10 miles and 15 minutes to affected journeys.
• Tuesday 21 March – The A68 will be closed in both directions between the A698/A68 junction south of Ancrum and the A698 at Bonjedward. A signed diversion route will be in place via the A699 and the A698, adding an estimated 13 miles and 19 minutes to affected journeys.
• Wednesday 22 March – The A68 will be open under a single lane closure with three-way temporary traffic lights in place at the A68/A6088 junction to the National Boundary.

Emergency services will be given access through the works at all times and local access for residents within the closure points will be maintained when it is safe to pass through the work area.

Relevant stakeholders have been consulted in advance to make them aware of the plans.

Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s South East Network Manager, said: “The surfacing improvements will help to address the defects on these sections of the A68 and will greatly enhance the driving experience for motorists.

“It is essential for safety that we close the road during these works, however we’ve arranged for the project to take place overnight to minimise the impact.

“We thank motorists and the local community in advance for their patience and understanding. We’ll do all we can to complete the work as quickly and safely as possible.”

Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.traffic.gov.scot, or on Twitter at @trafficscotland.

All work is weather dependent and subject to postponement or cancellation in the event of adverse conditions.