Update issued on timetable for work on major refurbishment of Galafoot Bridge
Last updated 10th Jul 2026
After weeks of speculation, it's been announced major refurbishment works at the Galafoot Bridge are expected to begin NEXT MONTH.
The key link road 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's to undergo a "full deck refurbishment" amid concerns over "extensive re-occurring potholes" and fears the bridge's waterproofing may have failed.
The project - which, according to the road company's website, is estimated to cost around £1 million - is expected to last between six and ten weeks.
Temporary traffic lights will be in operation during the initial works to raise the height of the parapets.
But a one-way system will be put in place while re-waterproofing and resurfacing of the bridge’s carriageway and footpaths are completed.
Only traffic travelling into Galashiels from Tweedbank will be able to cross, with cars travelling in the opposite direction being diverted via the B6360 road, via Abbotsford House.
Eastbound HGV traffic will be diverted via Selkirk and St Boswells.
Concrete repairs will also be completed as required following removal of the existing waterproofing, while bird-proofing works will require a closure of the Boleside road car park and the Black Path immediately below the bridge.
The detailed programme of works will be confirmed once the tender process to appoint a contractor is concluded later this month.
And BEAR Scotland, which is responsible for maintaining the trunk road, added dates will be subject to change, depending on weather conditions and the extent of concrete repairs found to be required.
David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Bridges Manager, said: “We need to refurbish the deck of Galafoot Bridge to ensure it can continue to provide safe and reliable service into the future.
"The existing layer of waterproofing under the surface course has failed, causing the road surface to break up prematurely.
"This waterproofing needs to be replaced to reduce the need for repeated repairs and to prevent longer term damage to the concrete below."
But he added: “We are confident that we can improve the resilience of the new road surface."
It had initially been feared the works could take six months to complete.
But BEAR Scotland says the latest timetable will allow them to complete the job before other works planned on the A7 later in the autumn.
The last time there was a long-term closure of the bridge, police highlighted concerns that "a small number of motorists decided to ignore the diversions and closures" - risking collisions with other vehicles.
"It was necessary to apply for this Temporary Traffic Regulation Order prior to a contractor and detailed programmed being in place, therefore the dates applied for were necessarily broad," Mr Bishop added.
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