Commercial Road in Hawick reopened again yesterday (Tuesday 29 November 2022) with construction works completed on programme in advance of December and the Christmas period.
Latest works completed on programme
The latest phase of works which started in April saw the construction of a new structure which is simultaneously a replacement section of two-lane road which is part of the A7 Trunk Road Network and a flood defence wall which is part of the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme.
Local Businesses, Rachael Hamilton MSP, and Hawick Councillors: Watson McAteer, Stuart Marshall, Clair Ramage, Jane Cox and Neil Richards attended the site of the works to see first-hand the progress that has been made this year and, officially reopened the road to vehicles.
Further minor works in 2023 and programme timeline
The milestone marks the completion of the major works at the site, and signals the end of full road closures along the road.
Further minor works that are required in 2023 will be carried out under traffic light control to avoid any further full road closures. This will include undertaking surfacing works at the Sainsbury’s car park entrance towards the west end of Commercial Road in late January.
The engineering works for the flood scheme have been completed by the McLaughlin & Harvey, with the infrastructural works a joint partnership between Transport Scotland and ourselves with key funding provided by the Scottish Government.
The Flood Scheme remains on budget and programme to be completed by the end of 2023.
Executive Member for Environment & Transport, Jenny Linehan:
“Today marks a significant step towards fully protecting the town of Hawick against the threat of flooding, as one of the major sections of the project, situated at Commercial Road, is now complete.
“This extremely positive news will be welcomed by residents of the town and will be viewed as a sign of real progress across the whole project. Their patience and understanding amidst various road closures and diversions throughout the construction period must be thanked.
“Again I would also like to place on record my thanks to both SBC and main works contractor McLaughlin & Harvey for their hard work and collaboration on this project which will ensure the long-term prosperity and safety of the town of Hawick and its residents.”