THE A7 will be closed in both directions between Hawick and Selkirk every night this week (Monday August 21 to Friday August 25) to facilitate resurfacing work.

The works will see Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland resurface 1.3 kilometres of carriageway north and south of Lilliesleaf Junction.

To ensure the safety of roadworkers and the public during these works, the road will be closed in both directions from 7.30pm until 6am each night Local access will be permitted up to the point of the hard closure around the works.

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A signed diversion route will be in place between Hawick and Selkirk via the A698, A68 and A699, adding approximately 14.4 miles and 24 minutes to affected journeys.

There will be no work on Saturday and Sunday nights but it will resume next week for four nights.

BEAR Scotland’s South East Network Manager Tommy Deans said: “It’s essential for safety that we close the road while these works are in progress, however we’ve scheduled them at night in order to minimise disruption.

“We’re grateful to road users and local communities for their patience and understanding while we deliver these essential improvements.”

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Emergency services will be given access through the works at all times and local access for residents within the closure points will be maintained when it is safe to pass through the work area.

Relevant stakeholders have been consulted in advance to make them aware of the plans.

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

All work is weather dependent and subject to postponement or cancellation in the event of adverse conditions.