A 260 metre path in Melrose will be built in six weeks, enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
The path will be 260 metres long, with a width of 2.5 metres. Construction starts on March 3rd, and the work should take about six weeks.
The path will sit three metres from the road, meaning people won’t need to cross the A6091 twice. This section previously had busy traffic.
Instead, the path will cross High Road. They’ll upgrade the pedestrian island there, which will make crossing safer.
Most of the work will happen on the grass, so traffic flow shouldn’t be significantly affected, meaning no special traffic controls are needed here.
However, some work impacts the main road, and High Road will also see some action. Temporary traffic lights will be active during these times.
Tommy Deans manages BEAR Scotland’s southeast network. He says the path will improve safety, and more people might walk or cycle thanks to this new path.
Previously, people crossed a fast road twice, where cars went 60 mph. It wasn’t ideal at all.
Now, folks will cross High Road instead, where the speed limit is only 30 mph. Cars slow down near that junction anyway.
The improved island adds further protection. They consulted with local groups, and Police Scotland also provided input.
Weather could affect the schedule. Bad weather may delay their plans. Please remember that it depends on the weather!