BEAR Scotland has outlined a significant construction programme detailing improvements planned for the remainder of 2025 across the trunk road network in South East Scotland.

The works include a heavy schedule of resurfacing, essential drainage upgrades, and multiple bridge refurbishment schemes, all aimed at improving the long-term resilience and safety of the region's main arteries.

Resurfacing and Maintenance

A busy programme of resurfacing is scheduled for the last quarter of the year across several key routes:

• October Works: Schemes are planned for the A68 near Carter Bar, sections of the M8 (including the approach to Junction 3 eastbound and the Junction 3 westbound on-slip), the A7, and the A720 (at the Calder eastbound on-slip and Straiton to Lothianburn westbound).

• November Works: Resurfacing will take place on the A1 at Lamberton Shiels and Gladsmuir to Bankton (northbound). The M8 will see works between Junction 2 and 3 westbound, after Junction 3A westbound, and at the Junction 3A westbound on-slip. Road markings and studs on the A68 between Earlston and Birkenside Junction will also be upgraded.

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• December Works: M8 resurfacing will continue at Harthill eastbound bus stop and around Junction 4. Further schemes are planned for the A720 Millerhill westbound on-slip, the A985 Crombie layby, the A1 at Myreside Junction, and the M80.

Additionally, overnight routine maintenance to the Queensferry Crossing’s stay cables will be carried out throughout October and November.

Several key structural projects are scheduled for completion or commencement by the year end:

• Bridge Refurbishments: Works on Townfoot Bridge in Jedburgh and Galadean Bridge north of Earlston are scheduled to continue until December. Refurbishment of the B792 bridge over the M8 near Blackburn and Knockhill Bridge carrying the M9 are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

• M90 Concrete Repairs: Concrete repairs on the piers of Masterton Bridge, carrying the M90 at Junction 2, will begin in late November.

• Safety Barriers: Works to replace central reserve safety barriers will take place at two locations on the M8 between Junctions 2 and 3. Fencing replacement schemes are also planned on the M9 near Chartershall and on the M8 between Junctions 5 and 6.

Other critical infrastructure improvements include drainage works on sections of the M9, A1, and M8, and layby improvements at twenty locations on the A1 in November and December.

BEAR Scotland has confirmed that full details of traffic management for these schemes will be published in advance of works commencing.