GRIDLOCK on Tweed Bridge in Peebles has resulted in renewed pleas for a second river road crossing.

Motorists have experienced delays of up to 25 minutes due to at least 10 days of electricity cabling work.

A three-way traffic light system has seen traffic back up to the garage, on the town’s Eastgate entrance, and buses queued along Springhill Road and Kingsmeadows Road at school finishing times.

The works, which started last Friday (April 26) and are due to last 10 days, are necessary “to excavate, backfill and reinstate to install five metres of 95mm (3) WF cable for a new connection”.

A spokesperson for SP Energy Networks said: “We’re currently carrying out essential works on the electricity network in Peebles on behalf of the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) to support its installation of electric vehicle chargers.

“We’ve worked closely with the local council to keep any impact of the works to a minimum, which includes having manned traffic signals, between 7am and 7pm, to manage traffic flows as safely and quickly as possible, and we continue to monitor the situation closely. 

“The works will be finished and the roadway fully restored by mid-May.

“We’re sorry for any disruption and inconvenience caused and we thank everyone for their patience and cooperation while the works are ongoing.”

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson added: “The SAS has a clear commitment to net zero and therefore a new energy supply is required at Peebles ambulance station for the electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

“We can only apologise for any inconvenience caused during this period while the excavation work is being completed.”

A Peeblesshire News reader, who preferred not to be named, said: “The people on the south side of Peebles suffer once again and should demand a second bridge.

“For years this side of the town has to suffer because of the lack of decent transport infrastructure.

“Every year we see more and more building applications for more housing developments.

“Scottish Borders Council should refuse any applications for housing developments on the south side of Peebles until another bridge is built across the Tweed.”

Tweeddale East councillor Julie Pirone said: “If people want to see a new bridge over the Tweed, for a variety of reasons, it is vital everyone takes part in the current place planning workshops and drop-ins happening in the town over the next couple of weeks.

“There is a survey and people should make these points within it at its website – www.aplanforpeebles.co.uk

“These views will  allow all councillors  to look at the suggestions and be forceful about what our town needs and wants to make it thrive.”