Project Details
Description
BEAR Scotland has been commissioned by Transport Scotland to carry out resurfacing works, as well as partial reconstruction, on the A68 carriageway. The works will consist of carriageway resurfacing to a maximum depth of 160mm, partial reconstruction to a maximum depth of 325mm, and reinstatement of road markings for a length of up to approx. 1.8km (1.1ha).
Construction activities for the resurfacing procedure are as follows:
- Set up traffic management (TM) and mark out site,
- Milling of existing bituminous material by road planer,
- Jackhammer and compressor for breaking up surfaces not accessible by planer (e.g., around gullies),
- Loader/excavator used to collect and move excess material,
- Sweeper to collect loose material and provide clean laying surface,
- Milled out/excavated materials all taken off site,
- Base material laid and compressed by paver (where required),
- Material compacted using a heavy roller,
- Tack/bond coat laid,
- Binder material laid and compressed by paver (where required),
- Material compacted using a heavy roller,
- Tack/bond coat laid,
- New bituminous surface course material laid by paver,
- Material compacted using a heavy roller,
- Mechanical sweeper to collect loose material,
- HGV for removal and replacement of material,
- Road markings and studs applied where necessary, and
- Remove TM and open road.
The works are programmed to be completed within the 2026/2027 financial year with works expected to begin on 15th June 2026. Works will be undertaken over eight nights (19:30-06:00). Traffic Management (TM) is currently programmed to be in the form of a full nighttime road closure with a signed diversion. The diversion will take drivers via B6458, A7 and A6091.
Location
The scheme lies on the A68 carriageway to the south and west of Fala Village within the Midlothian Council area and is surrounded by agricultural land and woodland (Figure 1).