Galafoot Bridge to partially close for major repairs
A one-way system looks set to be reintroduced seven years after similar work...
Last updated 30th Jun 2026
One of the main routes to and from Borders General Hospital is set to partially close for repairs - but roads bosses say the work is not expected to last as long as first feared.
The Galafoot Bridge - which carries traffic on the A6091 over the River Tweed, between Galashiels and Tweedbank - is to undergo a "full deck refurbishment".
According to information shared by local councillors David Parker, Jenny Linehan and John Paton-Day, the work is needed after "extensive re-occurring potholes" and fears the bridge's waterproofing may have failed.
A one-way system is to be reintroduced on the bridge and neighbouring B6360 - between the A7 and Abbotsford House - to manage traffic.
But, while an application has been made for a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order covering the months from July to December, BEAR Scotland - which is responsible for maintaining the trunk road - says the project's not expected to last for six months.
The work - which, according to the road company's website, is estimated to cost around £1 million - is instead expected to take place during September and October, and be completed within six to ten weeks.
A spokesperson for the roads contractor told us: "Dates are subject to change as design and procurement progresses, and the duration will be subject to change in the event of adverse weather conditions or the extent of concrete repairs found to be required following removal of the existing waterproofing system.
“We are aware of information circulating that describes these works as running from July to December 2026. We can clarify that these dates are used on an application for a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order but are not indicative of the works lasting for six months.
"We are having to apply for this TTRO prior to appointing a contractor for the works and thus prior to a detailed programmed being in place, hence the dates applied for are necessarily broad at this time.
“We will keep the community informed as details are confirmed.”
READ MORE: Plans unveiled to make Selkirk safer for pedestrians ahead of Center Parcs opening
The repairs will require the eastbound carriageway of the A6091 between Kingsknowe Roundabout and Tweedbank Roundabout to close around the clock throughout the project.
Traffic travelling into Galashiels from Tweedbank will continue to be able to cross, although overnight closures will be required at certain stages of the works. The dates for those closures will be confirmed closer to the time.
To help ease congestion, the B6360 between the A7 and Abbotsford House will become one-way westbound for the duration of the project, creating an alternative route for eastbound traffic travelling towards Tweedbank.
The statement released by the Leaderdale and Melrose councillors adds: "The works will prioritise westbound traffic, with westbound traffic continuing to travel on A6091 between Tweedbank Roundabout and Kingsknowe Roundabout for the full duration of works whilst eastbound traffic will be diverted.
"Two diversions to be in place one for cars and one for wide vehicles/HGVs."
Cars heading east will be diverted from Kingsknowe Roundabout via the A7 before turning onto the B6360 to reach Tweedbank Roundabout.
Heavy goods vehicles and other wide vehicles will face a significantly longer diversion, travelling south on the A7 to Selkirk before following the A699 towards St Boswells, joining the A68 and then the A6091 back to Tweedbank.
A temporary bus stop will also be installed on the A6091 while the works are carried out.
WATCH: Principals reflect on this year's Braw Lads' Gathering in Galashiels
It's hoped the refurbishment will provide a long-term solution to ongoing problems affecting the bridge deck.
It comes seven years after similar resurfacing work took place.
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.
A spokesperson for BEAR Scotland said: “A programme of works is planned to refurbish the deck of Galafoot Bridge on the A6091. This will include resurfacing of the carriageway and footpaths and renewal of waterproofing.
"Concrete repairs will be completed as required following removal of the existing waterproofing, and the height of the bridge parapets will be raised.
"Completion of bird-proofing works will also be completed."
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/