These planned works on the A68 bridge over the Leader Water south of Earlston have been postponed, after nesting birds were discovered on the structure.

The works will be rescheduled in a few weeks’ time after the chicks have fledged and the nest is no longer in use.

• Overnight road closure 22 March 2021

• Daytime traffic lights 23-26 March

The A68 immediately south of Earlston will be closed from 20:30 until 06:30 on the night of Monday 22 March to allow the bridge over the Leader Water to be resurfaced.

Temporary traffic lights will also be in operation from 09:30 until 16:30 each day from Tuesday 23 March until on Friday 26 March, to allow for replacement of the bridge’s expansion joints.

During the closure on the night of 22 March, a diversion route will be signposted between Earlston and St Boswells via the A699, the A6089 and the A6105. Emergency vehicles will be allowed escorted access through the site.

BEAR Scotland has consulted with Scottish Borders Council, the emergency services and local bus services to share information about these works and agree traffic management arrangements.

Chris Tracey, BEAR Scotland’s Unit Bridges Manager, said: “This essential maintenance work will increase the overall service life of the bridge and its surface.

“it is essential for the safety of workers and road users that we close the road during resurfacing, however we’ve scheduled this part of the project overnight to minimise disruption.

“We thank motorists in advance for their patience and encourage them to plan ahead by checking the Traffic Scotland website for up-to-date travel information.”

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