Motorists warned of disruption ahead as two bridges on A68 are re-waterproofed
12-weeks of traffic lights and overnight closures are planned
Last updated 11th Sep 2025
Drivers using the A68 are being warned of disruption ahead as work gets underway on the refurbishment of two bridges.
Twelve weeks of temporary traffic lights, and a number of overnight road closures, are planned from the end of this month.
It's to allow the waterproofing of Townfoot Bridge, which carries the busy cross-border route over the Jed Water in Jedburgh, and on Galadean Bridge, which carries traffic over the Leader Water, around three miles north of Earlston.
Both projects are anticipated to last until the middle of December, but roads contractor BEAR Scotland says the full overnight closures will be coordinated so they don't take place at both locations on the same night.
A spokesperson said: "Some delays are expected during peak times when temporary traffic lights are in operation.
"Traffic volume will be monitored and, if necessary, the lights will be under manual control at peak times."
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The first overnight closure at Townfoot Bridge in Jedburgh is planned for the night of Monday, September 29th, from 8.30pm to 6.30am the following morning.
A diversion route suitable for trunk road traffic will be signposted in both directions between the English border and the A68 at Ancrum, via the A6088 towards Hawick and the A698. This will add an estimated 10 miles and 15 minutes to affected journeys.
Local access will be available up to, but not beyond, the closure points on either side of the bridge.
Further closures are anticipated at the same times on Saturday and Sunday, October 25th and 26th (Jedburgh Running Festival weekend); Monday, October 27th; and Monday and Tuesday, November 24th and 25th.
The first overnight closure at Galadean Bridge is planned for the night of Monday, October 6th.
A diversion route suitable for trunk road traffic will be signposted between Earlston and the A68 at Carfraemill, via the A6105 to Gordon, the A6089 and the A697. This will add an estimated nine miles and 15 minutes to affected journeys.
Local access will again be available up to, but not beyond, the closure points on either side of the bridge.
Expected dates for further closures, also between 8.30pm and 6.30am each night, are: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, October 28th, 29th and 30th; and Monday and Tuesday, November 17th and 18th.
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David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “This programme of refurbishment work is key to ensuring the structural integrity and durability of these two bridges, extending their service lives for many years to come.
“The works have been planned to minimise disruption to road users as far as possible, however some delays are to be expected due to temporary traffic lights, especially during peak times.
“Some full closures of the A68 are essential for the safety of motorists and our workforce. These will be limited to overnight hours to minimise any disruption.
“We thank road users in advance for their patience and understanding and request that they fully comply with these temporary traffic management measures to ensure our workers can go home safely to their families each day.”
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