A SECTION of the A72 between Innerleithen and Cardrona will be temporarily closed on Sunday, February 14, whilst essential tree felling takes place. 

The Valentines Day closure will be in place on the vital stretch of road from Peebles Road in Innerleithen to Cardrona Junction at Horsburgh Ford between 9am and 2pm. 

During a slope stability study, carried out for Forest Enterprise Scotland, 16 trees were identified at risk of potentially falling onto the road and therefore need removed. The trees are located between Dirtpot Corner and Nutwood Car Park.   

Civil Engineer with Forest Enterprise Scotland Bruce Hamilton said: “Taking down the trees is very much a public safety measure. If we remove the trees now in a managed way then it should minimise the possibilities of greater issues affecting the road in the future. 

“We’ll work as fast and safely as we can to remove the trees and then carry out a further inspection of the slopes to make sure all is good.

“I’d like to thank the public in advance for their patience and understanding whilst the work is being undertaken.”

Scottish Borders Council will erect signage to remind drivers of the temporary closure and will undertake traffic management on the day. 

Buses and emergency vehicles will continue to have access through the road but vehicle up to 7.5 tonnes will be diverted onto the B7062 and B709. HGV’s will be held for the duration of the felling operation.

Councillor Gordon Edgar, Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure at Scottish Borders Council, added: “The Council has been working alongside Forest Enterprise Scotland ahead of these works and it is hoped the decision to carry out the essential tree felling on a Sunday will reduce the inconvenience to the public. 

“Despite the closure, services buses will still be able to use the A72 during the works, which will further reduce the impact of the works.”