A £335,000 project to restore Merlindale Bridge in Tweeddale is progressing well ahead of scheduled completion next month.

The bridge will close for two weeks from 03-17 September to allow waterproofing of the structure to take place. These form part of the final works of a five-month refurbishment programme.

During this closure, traffic will be diverted via the A72 and A701. Signage will be in place to direct traffic and advise road users that local businesses remain open while Merlindale Bridge is shut.

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Scottish Borders Councillor Gordon Edgar, Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure explained: "We fully understand the importance of Merlindale Bridge to local communities and businesses along the B712 road, which is why we have tried to avoid closing the crossing during the five months of work.

"However, the works now required mean a closure is unavoidable. We have kept the closure to two weeks, and have put in place contingency measures to try to keep disruption to a minimum.

"We thank the local communities and businesses for their understanding and cooperation during the refurbishment of Merlindale Bridge.

"We are committed to our roads network, and as part of our budget in February we invested an extra £2.3million into roads."

(CM/JG)