A LENGTHY diversion on the A1 during roadworks next week will now be running for four nights instead of seven.

From Monday, a section of the A1 at Thorntonloch, near Torness, south-east of Dunbar, will be closed in both directions for resurfacing work.

It was previously announced that the closure would run from Monday until next Friday (July 9) and then on July 12 and 13 to allow the work to be completed.

But now work will be completed over five nights instead of seven.

Road closures will still be required between 7.30pm and 6am next Monday-Thursday (July 5-8), with drivers needing to divert well in advance of the closure points, being told to avoid the A1 completely and use the signposted diversion.

The same extended diversion remains in place, due to a lack of a suitable local diversion route. It runs between the Old Craighall Roundabout at the eastern end of A720 Edinburgh City Bypass and the Berwick Bypass on the A1, with the diversion operating via the A68, A697 and A6105. It will add an estimated 26 minutes and 6.6 miles onto journeys.

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However, on the last night of works next Friday (July 9), the A1 will be open under convoy traffic management and no restrictions will be required after this date.

Drivers are still being asked to plan ahead to avoid the roadworks. The emergency services will be given access, with local access for residents permitted when safe to do so.

Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s south-east network manager, said: “To allow us to work safely at this location, we have to close the A1 for four nights from July 5 to 8.

“Motorists travelling from Edinburgh will be able to take access to Torness junction and motorists travelling from Berwick upon Tweed will be able to take access to Cockburnspath; however, there is no through route for trunk road traffic travelling in either direction.

“Through traffic should use the signed diversion from either Edinburgh City Bypass or Berwick upon Tweed.

“We appreciate that that this is a significant diversion and ask road users to plan their journeys. We thank road users and the local community in advance for their patience and understanding.”