FAQ: A6091 Galafoot Bridge Refurbishment

A programme of major works to refurbish the deck of Galafoot Bridge on the A6091 has now been confirmed. 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 bridge parapets will be improved.

1. What work is planned?
   A programme of works is planned to refurbish the deck of Galafoot Bridge on the A6091. This will include resurfacing of the carriageway and footpaths and renewal of waterproofing. Concrete repairs will be completed as required following removal of the existing waterproofing, and the bridge parapets will be improved.
2. Why does the bridge deck need refurbished again after only seven years?
   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.
3. What steps are being taken to ensure that the same problem does not reoccur?
   Bridges constructed in the 1970’s typically had a surfacing thickness which is significantly lower than would be required to current standards and is difficult to increase without adding additional weight to the structure, resulting in significant structural modifications.  Low surfacing thicknesses typically reduce the life of a waterproofing membrane.  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 would provide improved resilience of the new road surface and a longer service life.
4. When will the works take place?
   The main phase of the project is scheduled to begin on the night of 4 October 2026. The eastbound closure is expected to remain in place for between six and ten weeks, with works currently anticipated to continue until late November 2026. The duration may vary depending on weather conditions and the extent of any concrete repairs required.
5. Why are the works being scheduled on these dates?
   The work needs done this year, and these dates will allow us to complete the job before winter, when the risk of cold weather increases the likelihood of surfacing failures and delays to the works
6. What will be the impact on road users?
   From 5 October, Galafoot Bridge will operate as westbound only for approximately 6 to 10 weeks while refurbishment works are carried out. Eastbound traffic will be diverted via the A7 and B6360, adding around 3.9 miles to journeys, which will increase journey times. Eastbound HGVs will follow a longer diversion via Selkirk, the A699 and A68.
   Road users should also be aware of:– Temporary traffic lights on the bridge during off-peak hours from 28 September to 2 October.
   – A one-way system on the B6360 as far north as Abbotsford House, to help traffic flow along the narrower parts of the diversion route.
   – Full overnight closures of the bridge in both directions (19:30 to 06:00) on 4 October, 24 October, 12-17 November, and 29 November with signed diversion routes in place.
   Despite these restrictions, access for emergency services will be maintained at all times. We encourage road users to allow extra time for journeys and plan ahead wherever possible.
7. What are the diversion routes?
   Eastbound traffic (from 5 October for approximately 6 to 10 weeks):
   Kingsknowe Roundabout – A7 southbound – B6360 northbound – Tweedbank Roundabout
   This diversion will add approximately 3.9 miles to journeys and may result in delays.
   Eastbound HGVs:
   A7 southbound to Selkirk- A699 – A68 – A6091 – Tweedbank Roundabout
   Westbound traffic during full overnight bridge closures on 4 October, 24 October, 12-17 November, and 29 November:
   A6091 eastbound – A68 southbound8 – A699 westbound – A7 northbound – Kingsknowe Roundabout
   All diversion routes will be clearly signposted, and access for emergency services will be maintained at all times.
8. What will be the impact on local residents and businesses?
   Some noise is to be expected during certain tasks, whilst residents/businesses situated on the B6360 should expect an increased volume of traffic passing their properties.
9. What steps are being taken to mitigate these impacts?
   A one-way system will be in operation on the B6360, between the A7 and Abbotsford House, for safety and to reduce traffic congestion, as this is a narrow road.
   It will not be possible to work 24/7, as some of the materials to be used need time to cure and gain strength, which would typically be programmed to happen overnight or over weekends.  We will, however, aim to be working double shifts where the opportunity to do so exists, in order to minimise the overall duration of the works.
   The noisiest tasks will be undertaken during the day as much as possible.
10. Is compensation available for loss of business?
    There will be no compensation due to loss of earnings resulting from our essential works. Transport Scotland has a duty to maintain and, where necessary, improve trunk roads and this will, of necessity, involve various traffic management measures to ensure works can be carried out safely.
    These measures can unfortunately cause temporary inconvenience to be experienced from time to time by both users of the trunk road and residents / businesses in the surrounding areas. Whilst any inconvenience caused is regrettable, there is no statutory or common law requirement on Transport Scotland to pay compensation.
11. Why can’t the work be carried out during nightshifts only?
    Once the existing road surface is removed from Galafoot Bridge it cannot be reinstated until concrete repairs and re-waterproofing are completed. A continuous closure to one direction of traffic is therefore required for the duration of the works.
12. What other options were considered?
    Various options were assessed and consulted on last time similar works were conducted on Galafoot Bridge. These included continuous full closure of the A6091 and full overnight closures. The findings of these assessments and consultations are still valid, therefore, the same traffic management arrangements will be used.
13. Will this work need done again in another seven years?
    We are confident that we can improve the resilience of the new road surface to provide a longer service life than has recently been the case.
14. Has there been any consideration of the impact of this on other local routes as not everyone will take the official diversion route?
    We have liaised with Scottish Borders Council who are aware of the project and the impact. They are reviewing any areas where measures might help traffic flow such as traffic signal sequences. Additionally, we will be installing ‘unsuitable for HGV’ signage on specific routes such as the B6360.
15. Why does it sometimes look like no work is taking place during disruptive projects like this?
    We appreciate that it can be frustrating to see traffic management remain in place when there appears to be little or no activity on site.
    Bridge refurbishment is a complex process that involves installing several layers of specialist materials, each of which must fully cure and achieve the required strength before the next stage of work can begin. During these periods, there may be no visible activity on site, but the traffic management must remain in place to protect the works, maintain safety and ensure the materials are not disturbed.
    While these curing stages may make the site appear inactive, they are a critical part of the construction process and help ensure the long-term durability of the bridge. Where possible, we will provide information on site to explain when curing is taking place so that road users and the local community understand why the works may not appear active at certain times.