A PROGRAMME of overnight resurfacing works on the A702 between Candymill and Melbourne Junction starts tonight Wednesday October 18.

The works which will be completed over 13 nights, should conclude on the night of Thursday November 2 2023.

The works will be undertaken between 7.30pm and 6am each night, with no works on Saturday or Sunday nights.

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To ensure the safety of the workforce and the travelling public during these works, it will be necessary to close the A702 with signed diversions in place.

The dates, locations and diversions for each phase are listed below.

Between October 18 to 27 - Closure between A72 Junction and A721 Junction (Melbourne Crossroads)

Northbound diversion will be via A72 through Skirling, then left onto A721 and rejoin A702 at Melbourne Crossroads. Southbound traffic will follow the same diversion in reverse order. This will add 6 Minutes / 4.1 Miles to the journey.

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Between October 30 to and November2 - Closure between A72 Junction and A721 Junction (Melbourne Crossroads):

As the works are being conducted over the A721 Junction, northbound diversion will be via the A72 and A701 through Penicuik onto Bush Loan Road before rejoining the A702. Southbound traffic will follow the same diversion in reverse order. This will add 7 Minutes / 2.8 Miles to the journey.

Closure of the A721 Junction at Melbourne Crossroads: Diversion for trunk road traffic to and from A721 via the A73 and the A70 through Carstairs. This will add 16 minutes / 10.7 miles to the journey.

Consultation has been carried out with emergency services and other relevant stakeholders to share information about the project in advance.

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All work is weather dependent and subject to postponement in the event of adverse conditions.

Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s South- East Network Manager, said: “These surfacing improvements will address and repair defects in the road surface such a potholes and cracking, creating safer and smoother journeys for motorists.

“It is essential for the safety of the workforce that we close the carriageway during these works, however we’ve scheduled them during overnight hours to minimise any disruption.

“We thank motorists in advance for their patience while our teams carry out these improvements.”

Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead before setting out by checking the Traffic Scotland website www.traffic.gov.scot for up-to-date information