A ROAD will close near a Borders village to allow for works as part of a “major refurbishment” of a bridge.

The A702 south of West Linton will be closed overnight on the weekend of July 5-7. 

It will enable Transport Scotland’s operating company, BEAR Scotland, to lift new precast concrete retaining walls into place at Westwater Bridge.

The trunk road will shut in both directions at the bridge between 8pm and 6am. 

A signed diversion route will be in place, with northbound traffic directed to leave the A702 at Melbourne Crossroads and follow the A721, A72, A701 and A703, re-joining at Hillend. Southbound traffic will be directed to follow the same route in reverse.

This will add around 14 minutes to affected journeys, according to officials.

Alternative routes will be available in the local vicinity of West Linton. However, these are not suitable for all vehicles.

David Bishop, BEAR Scotland unit bridges manager, said: “We are undertaking essential improvements at Westwater Bridge as part of major refurbishment works which started at the end of May.

“Part of these improvements involves the installation of new precast concrete retaining walls and it is essential for the safety of road users and our workforce that we fully close the A702 while these heavy units are lifted into place.  To minimise disruption, we have planned these works to be undertaken overnight.

“We’re grateful to road users and the local community for their patience and understanding.”