PART of the A72 will be closed over three days next week.

The road will be shut between the Nest Roundabout and Walkerburn while patching work is carried out.

It will take place from Holylee to Thornilee on Monday, July 1 to Wednesday, July 3 from 9am to 3.30pm each day.

A diversion will be in place.

All traffic, including HGV drivers, are advised to use the the A7 to B6392, A6094, A703 and back to the A72, with eastbound travelling the opposite direction.

A local diversion will also be in place.

A one way system for eastbound traffic which will see motorists diverted along Caberston Road, Walkerburn on to the D83/2 Walkerburn to Ashiestiel road, rejoining the A72 at the Nest roundabout.

Westbound traffic will be directed to the A7 via the B710 Bowland Road at the roundabout in Clovenfords, and along the B709 Granites Road before joining the A72 at Innerleithen.

Buses will be escorted through the works but services may be subject to slight delays.

And drivers are being warned to leave extra time for their journeys.

Councillor Gordon Edgar, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for roads and infrastructure, said: “We realise this is further disruption for motorists but this is essential works which we have tried to minimise by finishing at 3.30pm each day to avoid the busier evening period.

“We must thank motorists for their patience and cooperation during the Dirtpot Corner closure earlier this week.

“Traffic lights remain at Dirtpot Corner but it is expected to fully reopen early next month, which will be welcomed by road users and will provide an improved section of the A72, which we recognise as a vital link for the Scottish Borders.”

The council will return to this section of the A72 later in the year to carry out resurfacing.