A PEEBLESSHIRE road has been given a temporary weight limit after damage was discovered on bridge foundations.

The temporary restriction will be in place on Westwater Bridge on the A702 south of West Linton until further notice.

Vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes will not be allowed to use the bridge and will have to use an alternative route.

Andy Thompson, BEAR Scotland’s South East representative, said: “Safety is always our first priority, so we’ve restricted traffic on the A702 Westwater Bridge to a single lane and implemented a 7.5 tonne weight limit as an added precaution after assessing the condition of the bridge’s foundations."

A signposted diversion will take larger southbound vehicles between Hillend and Melbourne Crossroads, via the A703, A701, A72 and A721.

Northbound vehicles will join the A721 at Melbourne Crossroads and continue on the A72 and A701 to Straiton Junction on the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass.

The diversions are estimated to add an addition three miles and seven minutes to journeys.

Mr Thompson added: “Since scour damage was first identified last week, our engineers have completed works to divert the path of the river away from the affected area and are now working towards installing rock armour to protect the structure from further damage. Daily inspections are being carried out and additional monitoring equipment has been put in place. We’ve also begun construction of a new access road to the site.

“Further investigations are ongoing to inform design works for a permanent solution. It’s too early to say what this will be or how long it will take, but we’re committed to keeping road users and local communities informed as and when further information becomes available.

“We appreciate the disruption that the new weight limit will cause for some drivers, however safety has to come first and we are grateful for their patience and understanding.”

Motorists have been advised to "plan ahead" by using the Traffic Scotland website for full traffic and travel updates.