• Major works expected to commence in August 2026

Major works to refurbish the deck of Galafoot Bridge on the A6091 are expected to begin in August.

Works to be carried out include resurfacing of the bridge’s carriageway and footpaths and renewal of waterproofing. Concrete repairs will be completed as required following removal of the existing waterproofing, and the height of the bridge parapets will be raised. Bird-proofing works will be completed after the deck refurbishment.

The detailed programme of works will be confirmed once the tender process to appoint a contractor is concluded later this month. Dates will be subject to change as design and procurement progresses, and the overall duration will be subject to change, depending on weather conditions and the extent of concrete repairs found to be required.

Traffic management

During initial works to increase the parapet height, there will be temporary traffic lights on Galafoot Bridge during off-peak hours, for approximately two weeks.

During the re-waterproofing and resurfacing works, the A6091 over Galafoot Bridge will remain open to westbound traffic only. For most vehicles, the eastbound diversion route will be from Kingsknowe Roundabout to Tweedbank Roundabout via the A7 and the B6360, adding an estimated 3.9 miles  which may cause significant delays to journeys. Eastbound HGV traffic will be diverted via the A7 south to Selkirk, then along the A699, A68 and A6091 to Tweedbank Roundabout. This traffic management arrangement will continue for between six and ten weeks, depending on weather conditions.

Bird-proofing works will then require off-peak temporary traffic lights and a closure of the Boleside Road car park and the Black Path immediately below the bridge, for approximately four weeks.

Improved resilience

David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Bridges Manager, said: “We need to refurbish the deck of Galafoot Bridge to ensure it can continue to provide safe and reliable service into the future. The existing layer of waterproofing under the surface course has failed, causing the road surface to break up prematurely. This waterproofing needs to be replaced to reduce the need for repeated repairs and to prevent longer term damage to the concrete below.

“We are confident that we can improve the resilience of the new road surface. Throughout the design process we have liaised with our specialist supply chain and manufacturers to develop a specification for the waterproofing and surfacing materials that will provide improved resilience and a longer service life.

“We’re also pleased that we will be able to raise the parapet height as part of these works, in response to requests from the community.

“We expect to begin work on site during August. The refurbishment needs done this year, and these dates will allow us to complete the job before other works planned on the A7 later in the autumn, while also taking place after the majority of common ridings and festivals in the area.

“We are aware of information circulating that describes these works as running from July to December 2026. We can clarify that these dates have been used on an application for a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order but are not indicative of the works lasting for six months. It was necessary to apply for this TTRO prior to a contractor and detailed programmed being in place, therefore the dates applied for were necessarily broad.

“We will keep the community informed as details are confirmed.”