BEAR Scotland has outlined extensive work delivered between July and September 2026 across the South East trunk road network, with more than £26 million invested on behalf of Transport Scotland in road, bridge, safety and routine maintenance projects, while keeping traffic moving and supporting local communities.

Bridge and structure projects advanced on several key assets, notably the Forth Road Bridge, Queensferry Crossing, Kincardine Bridge and the wider network. On the Forth Road Bridge, teams undertook hanger painting, strengthening works, grillage refurbishment and preparations for replacing critical lateral thrust bearings, with the season's hanger painting completed by September. Refurbishment of the M90 Masterton Viaduct also finished, including installation of cathodic protection, concrete repairs and parapet upgrades, allowing long-term traffic management to be lifted in August. In September, a major deck refurbishment began on Kincardine Bridge, covering carriageway and footway reconstruction, waterproofing, concrete repairs and upgrades to the vehicle restraint system to bolster long-term resilience.

-- Advertisement --

More than £8.7 million was directed to structural road maintenance, with 23 schemes completed on the A1, A7, A68, A702, A720, M8, M9, M90 and M876. Eleven schemes were delivered in July on the A720, A1, A68, M90, M9, M876 and A702; five in August on the A7, A68, A702 and M8; and seven in September on the M90, A68, A702, M8 and A7, renewing surfaces, improving ride quality and strengthening network resilience.

An eight-week ex-situ recycling programme on the M8 and A702 saw approximately 5,400 tonnes of material reused within carriageway reconstruction, diverting waste from landfill and saving up to 270 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Safety upgrades continued under Strategic Road Safety schemes. BEAR Scotland completed motorcycle safety improvements at the A7 Galalaw Roundabout, upgraded vehicle restraint systems on the M8 and M9, and trialled a new layout at the A702 Lothianburn Junction to reduce late lane changes and aid traffic flow. Further work progressed at A7 Langholm, A68 Camptown and other priority junctions. Road marking and stud renewal on the M9, M80 and M90 continued, with over £1.9 million invested by the end of September to enhance lane delineation and visibility.

Climate resilience remained a priority, with drainage schemes advancing on the A1, M9 and M90, alongside adaptation projects targeting flooding hotspots. Construction began on a major drainage improvement between Houndwood and Burnmouth on the A1, while large-diameter drainage pipe replacements near the M9 continued to mitigate flood risk to the network and neighbouring land. On the M90 between Junctions 1A and 2, drainage improvements were combined with filter-stone recycling to improve long-term performance.

Jamie Finlayson, BEAR Scotland's Contract Director for the South East Unit, said: "Our client Transport Scotland invested more than £48.7 million in the South East trunk road network during the 2026/27 financial year up to the end of September.

"The strong progress made between July and September demonstrates BEAR Scotland's ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving Scotland's strategic road network while delivering lasting benefits for road users, communities and the environment."