• Work to commence Monday 27 September 2021

A series of weekday overnight slip road closures will be implemented on sections of the A720 while essential coring investigation works are carried out.

BEAR Scotland, Transport Scotland’s operating company, will carry out the works from Monday 27 September until the morning of Saturday 2 October in advance of future resurfacing.

Slip closures with a signed diversion route will be in place between 20.30 and 06.00 and no works are planned for Saturday or Sunday nights.

For the safety of road workers and motorists, the following closures will be in place during these works:

• On the night of 27 September, the A720 westbound two-lane carriageway will be subject to alternate lane closures with speed restrictions, between Lasswade and Straiton.
• On the night of 28 September, the westbound slip road for the A720 at Straiton will be closed. A diversion will be signposted via the A720 eastbound, Lasswade Road, and the A720 westbound, which will add an estimated three minutes to affected journeys.
• On the nights of 29 and 30 September, the westbound two-lane carriageway will be subject to alternate lane closures with speed restrictions at Straiton.
• On the night of 1 October, the A720 westbound two-lane carriageway will be subject to alternate lane closures with speed restrictions between Dreghorn and Clovenstone.

A consultation has taken place with all relevant stakeholders in advance of these works to make them aware of the traffic management arrangements which will be removed during the daytime.

Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s South East Network Manager, said: “These investigation works on the A720 are essential to the design and planning of future resurfacing improvements.

“The traffic management will be in place to ensure the safety of road workers and motorists, however, to help minimise delays we’ve planned the works to take place during night-time hours.

“We’d like to thank motorists in advance for their patience while our teams carry out these investigations.”

Access for emergency services will be maintained at all times.

All personnel on site will be subject to strict physical distancing protocols in line with Scottish Government guidance. Thorough risk assessments have been developed and cleansing stations will be implemented on site.

Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead before setting out by checking the Traffic Scotland website www.trafficscotland.org for up-to-date travel information and allowing extra time for their journey.