A68 and A7 to close overnight for a month's worth of road works

Motorists in the Borders are being warned of disruption ahead, with two of the region's major roads set to close for a month's worth of road works.

The A68 is set to shut for 20 nights - between Monday, February 10th, and Friday, March 7th - while resurfacing is carried out south of Lauder.

The works, which cover a 1.5 km section from Whitslaid to Boon junction, will see the road closed between 7.30pm and 6am each night - except Saturdays and Sundays, when no work is planned.

Diversions will be in place between the Carfraemill Roundabout and Earlston, and are expected to add 10 minutes, or eight miles, onto some journeys.

Transport Scotland’s operating company, BEAR Scotland, confirmed emergency services will be given access through the works at all times, and local access for residents will be maintained when it is safe to pass through the work area.

Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s South East Network Manager, said: “These surfacing improvements will help to address defects on this section of the A68 and will greatly improve the experience for motorists. 

“It is essential for safety that we close the road during these works, however we’ve arranged for the project to take place overnight to minimise the impact.

“We thank motorists and the local community in advance for their patience and understanding. We’ll do all we can to complete the work as quickly and safely as possible.”

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The A7 is also set to close for 10 nights of resurfacing between Hawick and Canonbie.

The cross-border route will close south of Unthank from Monday to Wednesday, January 20th to 22nd; before the works continue south of Chapelhill Junction Thursday and Friday, January 23rd and 24; and again, Monday to Friday, January 27th to 31st (all between 7.30pm and 6am).

During both sets of closures, a signed diversion will be in place, which will add approximately 7.7 miles and 20 minutes to affected journeys.

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