UPDATE 1 October 2025: Bridge works on the A68 on the nights of 6, 7, 13 and 14 October will now be carried out under temporary traffic lights only, with no road closures required.
Closures will go ahead on 1-8 November as detailed below.
Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland is set to refurbish two bridges on the A68 in the Scottish Borders this autumn.
Works to re-waterproof the deck on Townfoot Bridge, which carries the A68 over the Jed Water in Jedburgh, will begin on Monday 6 October.
Similar works will then begin on Monday 13 October on Galadean Bridge, which carries the A68 over the Leader Water approximately three miles north of Earlston.
Both projects are anticipated to last until the middle of December and will require various phases of traffic management, including 24/7 temporary traffic lights and occasional full overnight closures, coordinated so that they do not take place at both locations on the same night.
Some delays are expected during peak times when temporary traffic lights are in operation. Traffic volume will be monitored and, if necessary, the lights will be under manual control at peak times.
The first overnight closures at Townfoot Bridge in Jedburgh are planned for the nights of 1, 2, 3 and 4 November between 20:30 and 06:30. A diversion route suitable for trunk road traffic will be signposted in both directions between the English border and the A68 at Ancrum, via the A6088 towards Hawick and the A698. This will add an estimated 10 miles and 15 minutes to affected journeys. Local access will be available up to, but not beyond, the closure points on either side of the bridge.
The first overnight closures at Galadean Bridge are planned for the nights of 5, 6, 7 and 8 November, again between 20:30 and 06:30. A diversion route suitable for trunk road traffic will be signposted between Earlston and the A68 at Carfraemill, via the A6105 to Gordon, the A6089 and the A697. This will add an estimated 9 miles and 15 minutes to affected journeys. Local access will again be available up to, but not beyond, the closure points on either side of the bridge.
Further closures are anticipated at Townfoot Bridge in Jedburgh on the following dates between 20:30 and 06:30 each night:
Expected dates for further closures at Galadean Bridge north of Earlston are as follows, also between 20:30 and 06:30 each night:
Consultation has taken place with relevant stakeholders in advance of these works to make them aware of the traffic management arrangements and to minimise any inconvenience.
David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “This programme of refurbishment work is key to ensuring the structural integrity and durability of these two bridges, extending their service lives for many years to come.
“The works have been planned to minimise disruption to road users as far as possible, however some delays are to be expected due to temporary traffic lights, especially during peak times.
“Some full closures of the A68 are essential for the safety of motorists and our workforce. These will be limited to overnight hours to minimise any disruption.
“We thank road users in advance for their patience and understanding and request that they fully comply with these temporary traffic management measures to ensure our workers can go home safely to their families each day.”
Live traffic information is available from the Traffic Scotland website www.traffic.gov.scot and on X at @trafficscotland.
All works are dependent on the weather and the existing condition of the structures, which can’t be fully understood until works commence and intrusive investigations are carried out. As such, the programme of works is subject to postponement, cancellation or rearrangement of dates in the event of adverse weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
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