BORDERS drivers heading to or from Edinburgh this week should be aware that the A68 will be closed for five nights as part of ongoing drainage improvement works.

The busy road will be closed in both directions between Fordel Mains Junction and Millerhill Junction from 7.30pm until 6.30am each night from July 17 to 21.

A signed diversion route will be in place between Millerhill Junction on the A720 and Fordel Mains Junction on the A68, via Sheriffhall Junction and the A6106, adding approximately 3 miles and 10 minutes to affected journeys.

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Additional diversion signage will also be in place on the A6094 with the closure of the A68 slip roads at Salters Road Junction.

Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times and all traffic management will be removed during daytime hours.

Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s Southeast Network Manager, said: “These ongoing improvement works will enhance drainage on this stretch of the A68, improving safety for motorists using the trunk road.

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“The final phase of these works involves full road closures which are essential to allow our operatives to carry out the improvements safely, however we’ve scheduled the works overnight to minimise any disruption.

“We thank road users and local communities in advance for their patience.”

Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland at www.traffic.gov.scot, or on Twitter at @trafficscotland.