PLANS involving the closure of a section of the A7 later this month have changed because of weather delays, according to officials.

Five nights of work were originally scheduled on the road south of Langholm from Monday, October 21 to Friday, October 25.

But that has been reduced to three, with the project now set to wrap up early on Thursday morning.

The shift has been caused by the cancellation of tonight’s work on a different section of the A7, south of Canonbie, due to forecasted heavy rain.

The work near Langholm will see the road shut at 7.30pm on all three nights, reopening at 6am each morning.

It will be closed in both directions between the B720 Hollows junction and Langholm.

A diversion route will be in place between Hawick and Canonbie, via the A698, A6088 and B6357. 

This will add around 20 minutes to affected journeys, according to road officials.

BEAR Scotland’s south east network manager, Tommy Deans, said: “These new road markings will enhance safety for users of the A7. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the work being done, we have no option but to close the road while these improvements are completed.”

He urged Borders motorists to “plan ahead and allow some extra time” for journeys if using the route during the closure period.

“We’re grateful to motorists and local communities for their understanding,” he added.

Works south of Canonbie will continue from the night of October 17, with three additional road closures required from 7.30pm-6am on October 21, 22 and 23.