The A702 trunk road south of West Linton will be closed in both directions between 10:00 and 16:00 on Friday 20 January.
This is to allow Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland to pour concrete to reinforce the foundations of Westwater Bridge, which has been subject to traffic restrictions since scour damage was identified earlier this month.
A diversion route for southbound traffic will be signposted between Hillend and Melbourne Crossroads, via the A703, A701, A72 and A721. Northbound traffic will be diverted via the A721 from Melbourne Crossroads, continuing via the A72 and A701 to Straiton Junction on the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass. These diversion routes will add an estimated 3 miles and 7 minutes to affected journeys.
Local access for residents and emergency services will be maintained up to the closure points around Westwater Bridge itself.
The bridge is currently closed to vehicles weighing over 7.5 tonnes, with traffic using the bridge restricted to a single lane controlled by temporary traffic lights.
These restrictions are expected to be removed by Friday 27 January, after the new concrete has been placed, as it will take some time for the concrete to gain full strength.
Chris Tracey, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “Since scour damage was first identified earlier this month, the team has completed works to divert the path of the river away from the affected area and is installing rock armour to protect the bridge from further damage. We’ve surveyed and de-watered the site, and are now ready to pour concrete to stabilise and reinforce the foundations.
“A full road closure is essential, as the full width of the road will be required to accommodate the necessary plant and vehicles on site, with concrete being poured from road level down to the foundations of the bridge 10 metres below. This work needs to take place during daylight hours for safety.
“The work we’re doing now will repair and strengthen the bridge’s foundations so that we can remove the traffic restrictions that are currently in place. Further works will be carried out in future to make the structure more resilient.
“We’re grateful to road users and local residents for their patience and understanding while we carry out these essential works.”
Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead before setting out by checking the Traffic Scotland website www.traffic.gov.scot and Twitter account @trafficscotland for up-to-date travel information.
Click here to view a map showing the diversion routes that will be signposted.
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