In the fourth quarter of 2025, BEAR Scotland delivered over £26 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 million, improving surface quality and overall safety for motorists on various routes including the A1, A7, A68, A720, M8 and M80. Throughout the quarter, Roads Structural Maintenance delivered fifteen projects, with over 30,000 tonnes of new asphalt laid. Our Routine Maintenance teams delivered a further seven resurfacing projects across the network.

Bridges projects worth almost £11 million were delivered in the quarter. Refurbishment works were completed at Townfoot Bridge in Jedburgh and at Galadean Bridge north of Earlston. Phase Two of the major project to refurbish the bridge carrying the B792 over the M8 between Bathgate and Blackburn was completed, and concrete repairs commenced on the piers of Masterton Viaduct on the M90.

On the Forth Road Bridge, multiple works were completed including steelwork paint repairs, main cable inspections and refurbishment of under-deck walkways. Work has continued on a project to replace the main tower lateral thrust bearings.

Overnight routine maintenance was carried out on the Queensferry Crossing’s stay cables in October and November, and a trial deployment of the automated diversion system was successfully completed with the diversion opened in 15 minutes.

A total of 14 drainage improvement schemes were carried out on the A1, A7, A702, M8 and M9.

In October, an emergency repair to the riverbank was completed at Ewes Water on the A7, north of Langholm.

Road marking and stud replacement was completed on the M9, with high friction surfacing installed at Keir Roundabout.

Jamie Finlayson, BEAR Scotland’s Contract Director for the South East Unit, said:

“In the final quarter of 2025 we have maintained a high level of productivity, delivering a significant package of improvements to the trunk road network in South East Scotland.

“As always, this has been made possible thanks to continuing strong investment from our client Transport Scotland.

“Some routes such as the M8 have seen a great deal of improvement works taking place. We appreciate that this does cause some short-term disruption, however road users will feel the benefits in terms of improved safety and reliability for years to come.”

ENDS