A MAJOR Borders road is set to close for “essential” works, officials have warned.

Surfacing improvements will take place on two sections of the A68, with the project starting later this month.

It is scheduled to be carried out over eight nights, from Wednesday, May 29, to Friday, June 7, between 7.30pm and 6am. 

No work will take place on a Saturday or Sunday, according to BEAR Scotland.

The project is due to start at Lilliardsedge Caravan Park to Red House from Wednesday, May 29, to Friday, May 31. 

The A68 will be closed and a signed diversion will be in place from Bonjedward to St Boswells, via the A698 and the A699. It will add around 14.1 miles and an additional 22 minutes to affected journeys.

Works will then take place from Monday, June 3, to Friday, June 7, at Newtown St Boswells.

The road will be closed southbound and a signed diversion will be in place from St Boswells via the A699 to Selkirk, then onto the A7 and A6091, rejoining the A68 at Ravenswood roundabout. 

This diversion will add approximately 15.9 miles and an additional 23 minutes.

Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s south east network manager, said: “These surfacing improvements will address and repair defects in the road surface such as potholes or cracks, creating safer and smoother journeys for motorists.

“We thank motorists in advance for their patience while our teams carry out these improvements.”