• Overnight works commence Friday 22 October 2021

• Extended closure on weekend mornings to allow new surface to cool

Overnight works to renew the road surface on a section of the eastbound carriageway of the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass from Lothianburn to Straiton are set to begin on Friday 22 October 2021.

Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland will carry out the project over three nights.

For the safety of workers and road users, the eastbound A720 will be closed between Lothianburn junction and Straiton junction from 20:30 on the nights of 22, 23 and 24 October. On Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 October the closure will remain in place until 11:00 to allow the new road surface to cool. This is necessary due to the depth of surfacing being replaced. On Monday 25 October the closure will be removed by 06:00.

During these closures, a diversion route will be signposted for eastbound traffic from Lothianburn to Straiton via the A702, B701 and A701. This diversion will add an estimated 10 minutes and 2.5 miles to affected journeys.

On Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 between the hours of 11:00 to 20:30 the closure will be removed, however a 50mph temporary speed restriction will remain in place as traffic will be travelling over a temporary road surface.

Consultation has taken place with relevant stakeholders in advance of these works to make them aware of the traffic management arrangements and to minimise any inconvenience.

Materials removed from the existing carriageway will be recycled using SEPA approved methods.

Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s South East Network Manager, said: “These surfacing improvements on the A720 from Lothianburn to Straiton will address and repair defects in the road surface such as potholes and cracks, creating safer and smoother journeys for motorists.

“On the Saturday and Sunday sthe closure will extend later into the morning to let the new road surface cool – this is necessary due to the depth of materials being replaced and will allow for a longer lasting new surface.

“We thank motorists in advance for their patience while our teams carry out these improvements.”

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.