A MAJOR road in the Borders will close next week as part of an ongoing bridge refurbishment project.

Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland is carrying out the works at Earlston bridge.

The A68 will be closed at the bridge from 8pm on Monday (September 30), reopening at 6am the following day.

A diversion will be in place and is expected to add 32 minutes to affected journeys, according to road officials.

Southbound traffic will be directed to follow the A6105 and the A6089 towards Kelso, followed by the A699 to St Boswells where they can re-join the A68. Northbound traffic should follow the same route in reverse. 

Dave Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s south east unit bridges manager, said: “It is necessary for safety that we close Earlston bridge overnight while these works are completed.

“Some additional overnight road closures will be required in the future. Details will be published as soon as dates are confirmed.

“If you need to use the A68 on Monday night, our advice is to plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey.

“We’re grateful to road users and local communities for their patience and understanding while these essential works are completed.”

Lane closures with temporary traffic lights and a barrier system will be in place on the bridge, spanning the Leader Water, from October 1 until February.

BEAR Scotland is refurbishing and replacing the bearings of the bridge.