The Scottish Borders Council has announced the daytime closure of a section of the A701 road in Tweeddale for extensive improvements.

The works will see a stretch of the A701 from Tweedsmuir to Tweedhopefoot at the Dumfries and Galloway boundary closed from Monday 18 November to Friday 13 December, from 9am to 5pm each day.

However, the road will be fully open at weekends and on Monday 2 December for the public holiday.

The A701 works is one of four rural road improvement schemes being funded by the Strategic Timber Transport Fund (STTF).


Local access will be maintained during the closure, as well as for pedestrians and cyclists, but short delays are expected. School buses will be allowed through the works.

The diversion for motorists travelling southbound is via the A72, A702, B7076, with northbound traffic travelling via the B7076, A702 and A72.

Local residents have been advised of the works via a letter drop.

The STTF awarded a total of £710,705 to four routes, alongside a £373,245 investment from us.

The other routes to be improved as part of the scheme are:

• B6357 Jedburgh to Newcastleton Road at Saughtree Grain

• B6357 Jedburgh to Newcastleton Road at Sandholm Bridge

• C34 Saughtree Cottages and Myredykes

Councillor Gordon Edgar, Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure, said: "This investment from the Strategic Timber Transport Fund and the Council will result in a much improved surface for all road users of the A701.

"We thank all road users in advance for their patience during the works, with the road open at weekends and outwith daytime closure hours."

(MH/JG)