Disruption on way as work on long-awaited new A68 crossing in Jedburgh begins

The creation of a safe crossing across one of Jedburgh’s busiest roads will be complete in time for the opening of the town’s new school.
By Kathryn Wylie
Published 9th Mar 2020, 17:22 BST
Updated 9th Mar 2020, 17:29 BST
Jedburgh councillor Jim Brown at the A68 opposite the Laidlaw Memorial Pool.Jedburgh councillor Jim Brown at the A68 opposite the Laidlaw Memorial Pool.
Jedburgh councillor Jim Brown at the A68 opposite the Laidlaw Memorial Pool.

In the pipeline for almost 18 months, work on a new pedestrian crossing near the Oxnam Road junction with the A68 at the south end of the town, got under way today.

And that work, near Laidlaw Memorial Pool, is being welcomed by Jedburgh councillor Jim Brown, who first called for the road safety improvements there when work began on the town’s new £32m school in Hartrigge Park, in 2018.

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“Approximately two-thirds of the town come from the other side of the A68 so they have got to find a way across to get to the town centre,” Mr Brown said. “It’s very awkward for people in wheelchairs or mobility scooters and those pushing prams to get across and what’s happening just now is that people are going further down and crossing after the railing, which is really dangerous.

“This new crossing will be a welcome improvement.”

The existing underpass there has a ramp at one side but just steps at the other, and with the new £32m campus opening at Hartrigge Park on April 21, the number of people needing across the busy road is likely to increase.

Contractors began work on the crossing today, and a single lane closure and temporary two-way traffic lights will be in place between 8am and 4,30pm until next Thursday, March 19.

Further disruption follows from Monday, March 23 to Friday, March 27, when there’ll be a single lane closure and three-way traffic lights in place between 8.30am and 5.30pm to allow for resurfacing and the installation of road markings.

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Amey’s assistant engineer Frank McMorrow said: “In order to ensure the safety of pedestrians during all phases of the works, a temporary footpath closure may be required with a suitable signed diversion route in place. A traffic management operative will be available at all times to assist and escort any pedestrian past the works should this be required.”

The crossing at Abbey Bridge End will cost £65,000.

More than 25,000 vehicles travel along that stretch of road each week.

Latest on the town’s new campus here: https://www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk/education/jedburgh-group-fighting-plans-axe-hall-and-library-2001800

https://www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk/education/reassurances-given-over-privacy-concerns-new-jedburgh-grammar-campus-824407