Motorists warned of further disruption as Galafoot Bridge works extended
Last updated 28th Oct 2026
Motorists using a key crossing over the River Tweed are being warned of further delays as major refurbishment work revealed the concrete deck underneath the road surface to be in “significantly worse condition than expected”.
A one-way system has been in operation at Galafoot Bridge since the £1 million project got underway earlier this month, with the work expected to take up to 10 weeks to complete.
But the discovery of extensive damage means that is now expected to continue until late January 2027, prolonging the disruption for drivers using the A6091 between Tweedbank and Galashiels.
Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland, which is overseeing the project, said more than three times as much concrete requires repairs as originally anticipated.
The bridge has been restricted to westbound traffic since October 5th, while the eastbound carriageway has been stripped back to allow resurfacing, waterproofing renewal and concrete repairs.
David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Bridges Manager, said the full extent of the damage only became clear after the existing road surface was removed.
“The concrete deck slab under the road surfacing on Galafoot Bridge has been found to be in much worse condition than estimated," he explained.
“There was always some uncertainty over what we would find once we removed the existing road surface, however there is more than three times as much concrete requiring repairs as originally anticipated.”
Mr Bishop said contractors had been looking at ways to accelerate the work, including bringing in additional resources, but warned that significant uncertainties remained.
He said: “Assuming the deck under the other half of the bridge is in similar condition, and we experience weather that would typically be expected during November and December, it is likely that works will need to continue until the end of January 2027.”
The bridge carries traffic on the A6091 over the River Tweed, between Galashiels and Tweedbank, and is one of the main roads used by motorists travelling to and from Borders General Hospital.
However, it was confirmed this summer, it was to undergo a "full deck refurbishment" amid concerns over "extensive re-occurring potholes" and fears the bridge's waterproofing may have failed.
Only traffic travelling into Galashiels from Tweedbank are able to cross, with cars travelling in the opposite direction being diverted via the B6360 road, via Abbotsford House, and eastbound HGV traffic diverted via Selkirk and St Boswells.
However, extra signage had to be drafted in shortly after work got underway following reports of some cars going the wrong way.
New dates for full overnight bridge closures have now been confirmed. The bridge will be closed to traffic in both directions between 7.30pm and 6am on November 2nd, November 12th to 18th, and November 24.
Closures originally planned for November 8th, 9th and 29th will no longer go ahead.
Mr Bishop added: "We appreciate that this is an unwelcome message for local people and motorists who use the route, however it is essential that these repairs are completed thoroughly in order to preserve the structural integrity of the bridge and minimise the need for repeated future bridge closures.
“We’re grateful for everyone’s understanding and will issue further updates as the project progresses.”
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