A 14-MILE diversion will be in place when a Borders road shuts next month, officials have announced.

The A7 south of Lilliesleaf junction, located around 3km south of Selkirk, will be closed for “essential resurfacing works”.

The road will shut between 7.30pm-6am each week night from November 3-15, say officials.

No works will take place on Saturday or Sunday nights.

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Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s south east network manager, said: “This work will improve the road quality and safety for motorists on this section of the A7.

“Road closures are essential for safety, however we’ve planned the works to take place overnight to minimise any disruption. We thank motorists in advance for their patience.”

A diversion route will be signposted between Hawick and Selkirk that directs traffic via the A698, A68 and A699, adding an estimated 24 minutes and 14.4 miles to affected journeys.

The A7 will remain open in both directions outwith the overnight closures.

The project is being undertaken thanks to a £710,000 investment from Transport Scotland.