WORK on the latest phase of the Galashiels inner relief road has fallen behind schedule.
Diverting gas mains should have been completed this week, but engineers have said work will continue until December 16.
Workmen are carrying out the gas diversions in the Ladhope Vale area of the town and progress has fallen behind in completing a new section of main from Ladhope Vale to Bridge Place.
Scottish Borders Council officials have met with representatives from Scottish Gas Network (SGN) and have promised that a two-way traffic flow will be established by tomorrow. But work on connections in Bridge Place and Ladhope Vale will continue.
Work will stop for the Christmas break on December 16 which means :
z The traffic lights at Island Street/High Street/Bridge Place will remain turned off as a trial, but will be monitored prior to the Christmas break.
z The ban on right turns from High Buckholmside to Bridge Place will remain in place.
z Bridge Place will be reduced to one lane from Island Street to the junction with Bridge Street and diversions will remain.
z Ladhope Vale will be reduced to one lane from the junction with Bridge Place to the entrance to the Ladhope Vale car park.
Ewan Doyle, programme manager at SBC, said: “In agreement with SGN we will be completing this phase of the works by December 16 to free up traffic movement during the busy Christmas weeks. We regret that there has been a delay and will be working hard towards this reviewed date. We would like to thank local residents and visitors for their continued patience in the run up to this busy time of year. There will be minor street lighting and gully replacement works until December 23, but it is not anticipated that any traffic signal control will be required.”