Amey will start work on a road safety upgrade project near Borders General Hospital in February.

The six-week scheme will be carried out at the A6091-Borders General Hospital junction. Work is scheduled to start on Monday, 05 February.

The project is being taken forward due to a number of accidents that have occurred in and around the junction. From 2006 to 2015, 16 accidents have taken place at the site.

Features include installing a new traffic lights system, as well as a 'hurry on' system to improve the flow of traffic and allow a faster entry/exit for ambulances.

During the scheme, access to the Hospital, Huntlyburn Ward, Ambulance Station and Busy Bees nursery will be maintained for the period of the works, with ambulance services operating as normal for the duration of the works.

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Cllr David Parker said: "I am delighted that this important road safety scheme at the BGH junction is going ahead.

"The Council is working alongside Amey, Transport Scotland, NHS Borders and the Scottish Ambulance Service on this project and while there will be some disruption to travel during the works, we believe the result will be less accidents and near misses.

"There will be a series of opportunities for the local community to hear about this scheme at upcoming community council meetings and a planned drop-in session."

Tom Wallace, Amey Account Manager for the SE Trunk Roads Unit, said: "This is an important road safety initiative, and we have worked very closely with our stakeholders, including Borders General Hospital and Scottish Borders Council to reduce the possible impact on road users.

"A planned scheme on the A7 Galafoot Bridge, which would have coincided with this scheme, has been rescheduled, and only emergency repairs will be undertaken, if necessary."

(LM)