Bear makes “good progress” on A68 “complex repair”

The Bear team has been working hard to prepare the site for the complex repair, after the road collapsed during last Wednesday’s heavy rainfall.

This has included stabilising the 20m-deep embankment, liaising with utility suppliers to divert services and securing the 5,000 tonnes of stone to rebuild the embankment.

Work has started with the initial layers of stone being laid at the base of the embankment, and utility companies are also on site to complete the temporary diversion of fibre optic cables to enable the repair.

Andy Thompson, BEAR Scotland’s south-east representative, said: “This is a complex repair and it is important we get it right as this is a key trunk road.

“Works are already under way and we will be doing all we can to minimise disruption while the repair is undertaken.

“In the meantime, we appreciate there is an impact on road users and the local communities.

“We are working closely with local authorities and continue to encourage the use of the official diversion route.

“We thank the local community and road users for their patience while we do everything we can to address the large scale failure of the embankment after the extremely challenging weather last week.”

This week, Conservative MSP Rachael Hamilton said a timetable of works needs to be released to affected parties, and Mr Thompson told us: “A full programme timetable is set to be confirmed soon.”