Overnight road closures for resurfacing 30 November for 5 nights

Motorists using the A68 approximately four miles north of Oxton are set to benefit from an improved road surface, with five nights of resurfacing works scheduled to begin on Monday, 30 November.

The £468,500 project will see Transport Scotland’s operating company, BEAR Scotland, resurface 1.65 km of carriageway north of Oxton, between Huntershall and Soutra.

To ensure the safety of roadworkers as well as the travelling public, the A68 will be closed between the A6458/A68 junction and Melrose roundabout each night between 20:00 until 06:00 the next morning from Monday 30 November to Friday 4 December.

A signed diversion route via the A6091 / A7 / B6458 will add approximately six miles and 15 minutes to affected journeys.

Consultation has been carried out with emergency services and other relevant stakeholders to make them aware of the plans and share information about the project in advance.

Emergency services will be able to pass through the works site at all times and local access for residents living within the closure points will be maintained when it is possible safely.

Strict physical distancing protocols, in line with Scottish Government guidance, are in place to protect teams and ensure they remain safe on site.

Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s South East Network Manager, said: “These surfacing improvements should make a big difference to the experience for motorists by addressing the defects on this section of the A68.

“It is essential to close the road during these works to ensure the safety of road workers and motorists. Undertaking the project overnight is intended 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.trafficscotland.org, Twitter at @trafficscotland or the mobile site my.trafficscotland.org