UPDATE: Ironwork improvement works on the A7 in Hawick have been completed quicker than anticipated. The planned night-time closures for 9, 12 and 13 of September have therefore been cancelled as they will no longer be required

• Overnight road closures 5-9, 12-16 & 19-20 September 2022

The A7 is set to benefit from carriageway improvements, with Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland planning 12 nights of roadworks on 5-9, 12-16 and 19-20 September.

Following the completion of resurfacing works on the A7 from Hawick High School to Sandbed Roundabout earlier this year, BEAR Scotland now plans to upgrade the ironwork on the carriageway to install new chambers with a high-strength, shock absorbing surround. These works are programmed to take place between the hours of 19:30 and 06:00 each night from Monday 5 to Friday 9 September and then from Monday 12 to Tuesday 13 September.

Resurfacing works are also planned on the A7 north of Arkleton, between the hours of 19:30 and 06:00 each night from Monday 12 to Friday 16 and Monday 19 to Tuesday 20 September.

The A7 will be closed in both directions while work takes place at each of these locations, with a diversion route signposted between Hawick and Canonbie via the A6088, B6357 and B7201. This diversion is expected to add approximately 7.7 miles and 20 minutes to affected journeys.

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: “We’re planning to upgrade the ironwork on the A7 in Hawick following the successful completion of resurfacing works at this location earlier this year. This should help to extend the life of the carriageway by reducing the need to carry out repairs around the ironwork.

“We will also be renewing the road surface on the A7 north of Arkleton, improving safety and ride quality for motorists using this section of the trunk road.

“Both projects will be completed at night in order to minimise disruption to road users, however it is essential for safety that we close the road while work takes place.

“We recognise that some of this work is next to residential properties and will endeavour to compete the noisiest activities as early in the evenings as possible.

“We’re grateful to road users and the local community for their patience and understanding while we deliver these improvements.”

Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.trafficscotland.org, twitter at @trafficscotland or the mobile site my.trafficscotland.org

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