SECTIONS of the A1 and its over bridges in the Borders and East Lothian are set to close in a series of phases in order to complete safety upgrade works throughout January, February and March.

The overnight closures commence tonight and will be completed in three phases with different parts of the A1 closed over a 16-week period.

Phase one takes place at the Ayton Castle over bridge from 8.30pm until 6am each night from January 9 to 21.

This section of the A1 will be restricted to a single lane with temporary traffic lights where it passes under the B6355 bridge near Ayton.

This stretch will also then be fully closed in both directions from 8.30pm until 6am each night from January 22 to 24, with a signed diversion route in place through Eyemouth and Coldingham via the A1107. 

This diversion will add an estimated 1.8 miles and four minutes to affected journeys.

Phase two rakes place on the Johnny Cope’s Road (road that connects Prestonpans and Tranent) and Dolphingstone over bridges from 8.30pm until 6am each night from January 24 to March 3.

During this period the A1 will be restricted to a single lane in both directions between Dolphingstone Junction and Bankton Junction.

This stretch of the A1 will then be fully closed in both directions from 8.30pm until 6am each night from February 7 to 9 and February 12 to 14, with a signed diversion route in place through Tranent via Church St and the A199 Edinburgh Road. 

This diversion will add an estimated 2.4 miles and 5 minutes to affected journeys.

In the final phase the Salters Road and Carberry Road over bridges will be affected from 8.30pm until 6am each night from March 5 to 31.

The A1 will be restricted to a single lane in both directions between Old Craighall Junction and Wallyford Junction.

This stretch of the A1 will then be fully closed in both directions from 8.30pm until 6am each night from March 20 to 22, with a signed diversion route in place via the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass, Millerhill Junction, the A68 and the A6094 Salters Road. 

This diversion will add an estimated 4.2 miles and seven minutes to affected journeys.

Chris Tracey, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “These pier protection upgrades are required to safeguard road users and maintain the integrity of the overbridges on this stretch of the A1.

“The works will bring the barriers up to modern standards and increase road safety.

“Lane and road closures are essential for the safety of road users and our operatives, however we’ve arranged for the works to take place overnight to minimise the impact.

“We thank the travelling public in advance for their patience and understanding.”