A SECTION of the A7 south of Galashiels is set to close this month.

A 480m stretch of carriageway immediately south of the Kingsknowe roundabout will be resurfaced over two nights by BEAR Scotland in work described as “essential”.

The project – costing £157,800 – will take place during the nights of Monday, March 15 and Tuesday, March 16.

Between 7.30pm and 6am, the road will be shut at this location, with exceptions listed as emergency services and residents living in the closure area.

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Tommy Deans, of BEAR Scotland, said: “These surfacing improvements will help to address the defects on this section of the A7 and will greatly improve the experience for motorists.

“These surfacing improvements will help to address the defects on this section of the A7 and will greatly improve the experience for motorists.

“It is essential that we close the road during these works to ensure the safety of road workers and motorists, 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.”

A diversion route will be signposted between Selkirk and the Kingsknowe roundabout, via the A699, A68 and A6091.

This diversion will add approximately 13 miles and 15 minutes to affected journeys, say officials.