RESURFACING THE A68 SOUTH OF LAUDER

January 10, 2025

UPDATE 5 February 2025: An extended diversion between Carfraemill Roundabout and St Boswells will be in place on the night of Friday 14 February, to allow resurfacing of Earlston Bridge that was postponed because of Storm Eowyn.


  • Twenty overnight road closures, 10 February to 7 March 2025

The A68 is set to benefit from carriageway improvements over a 1.5 km section from Whitslaid to Boon junction, one mile south of Lauder.

Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland will carry out the work over 20 nights from Monday 10 February to Friday 7 March.

Work will take place between 19:30 and 06:00 each night, except Saturday and Sunday nights.

The A68 will be closed in both directions during these hours, with a diversion route signposted between Carfraemill Roundabout and Earlston, following the A697, A6089 and A6105. This diversion will add approximately 10 minutes and 8 miles onto affected journeys.

To allow resurfacing of Earlston Bridge to be completed, an extended diversion route will be in place on the night of Friday 14 February between Carfraemill Roundabout and St Boswells, following the A697, A6089 and A699. This diversion will add approximately 23 minutes and 16 miles onto 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: “These surfacing improvements will help to address defects on this section of the A68 and will greatly improve the experience for motorists.

“It is essential for safety that we close the road during these works, however we’ve arranged for the project to take place overnight 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 at www.traffic.gov.scot or on X at @trafficscotland.

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