In the second quarter of 2026, BEAR Scotland delivered over £22 million in improvements and maintenance across the South East trunk road network on behalf of our client Transport Scotland.

This included resurfacing projects worth over £7.7 million, improving surface quality and overall safety for motorists on various routes including the A1, A68, A702, A720, M8, M9, M80 and M90. During the quarter, our teams delivered 32 resurfacing projects.

Bridges projects worth over £6.7 million were delivered. Major works on the M80 near Junction 7 to replace a gantry and refurbish a bridge carrying the motorway over a local road got under way. The project to refurbish Masterton Viaduct at M90 Junction 2 continued through the quarter.

In May, emergency repair works were carried out on a bridge over the M8 near Harthill after it was struck by an HGV.

Our annual cyclic maintenance programmes were completed on the A1, A720 and M8, including activities such as grass cutting, drainage cleaning, sign cleaning, detailed inspections and road sweeping.

A significant drainage investigation scheme was completed on the A1 between Houndwood and Burnmouth, and roadside safety barriers were upgraded on the M8.

The Road Safety team completed a project to install new traffic signals on the A702 in Biggar.

Significant lining and road stud improvements were completed on the M9 northbound and the M90. These upgrades have improved lane delineation, driver guidance, and overall visibility, enhancing both network safety and appearance. Similar works are planned for the M80 in the next quarter.

On the Forth Road Bridge, multiple works were completed, including continuing work on a project to replace the main tower lateral thrust bearings.

Jamie Finlayson, BEAR Scotland’s Contract Director for the South East Unit, said:  “In the second quarter of 2026 we’ve been making the most of the good weather to press ahead with our programme of improvements to the trunk road network in South East Scotland on behalf of our client Transport Scotland.

“We appreciate that some major projects cannot be completed without disruption to road users and local communities, however these works are essential to ensure that Scotland’s roads and bridges continue to provide safe and reliable service for decades to come. We’re grateful for everyone’s patience and understanding.”