A PEEBLESSHIRE road will no longer close this weekend after planned works to a bridge were rescheduled.

The A702 south of West Linton had been due to shut in both directions between 8pm and 6am on Saturday and Sunday.

Retaining walls were set to be lifted into place at Westwater Bridge as part of its major refurbishment.

But the works have been pushed back until Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1. 

David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s south east unit bridges manager, said: “The current phase of major refurbishment works at Westwater Bridge began at the end of May.

“Part of these improvements involves the installation of new precast concrete retaining walls on the east side of the bridge and it is essential for the safety of road users and our workforce that we fully close the A702 while these heavy units are lifted into place.

“To minimise disruption, we have planned these works to be undertaken overnight.

“We’re grateful to road users and the local community for their patience and understanding.”

The trunk road will be closed in both directions at the bridge between 8pm and 6am. 

A signed diversion route suitable for trunk road traffic will be in place, with northbound motorists directed to leave the A702 at Melbourne Crossroads and follow the A721, A72, A701 and A703, re-joining the A702 at Hillend. 

Southbound traffic will be directed to follow the same route in reverse. It is expected to add around 14 minutes to affected journeys.

Alternative routes are available in the local vicinity of West Linton, however these are not suitable for all vehicles.