WORKS associated with the major refurbishment of a Borders bridge have been extended.

The A702 south of West Linton will now be closed in both directions at Westwater Bridge between 9pm and 6am on Tuesday (August 6) and Wednesday.

A signed diversion route suitable for trunk road traffic will be in place, with northbound motorists directed to leave the A702 at Melbourne Crossroads and follow the A721, A72, A701 and A703, re-joining the A702 at Hillend. 

Southbound traffic will be directed to follow the same route in reverse.

This will add an additional 3.6 miles and approximately 14 minutes to affected journeys, according to officials. 

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

It will not be possible to cross the bridge itself during these closures.

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.

“To safely undertake the next phase of the works, we will temporarily close the A702 and change the layout of the traffic management to allow work on the east side of the bridge and the east road embankment. To minimise disruption, we have planned for this work to be carried out overnight.

“We thank road users and the local community for their patience and understanding during these essential bridge works”