This stretch of the A73 will be closed from Monday 28 February at 7am until 6pm on Friday 4 March to allow carriageway patching work to take place.

Marking a significant investment in the area, these works costing £130,000, adds to previous investments along the A72 made earlier in the year totalling £430,000.

Drivers are advised that no vehicles (except those engaged in the work and emergency service vehicles) will be able to park or drive throughout the duration of the work.

A signed diversion route will be via the A73 to Carluke, A721, A706, and A73.

Councillor John Anderson, the chair of the council’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, said: “We are aware of the disruption these works will cause but in order to carry out these improvements safely and as quickly as possible it is unfortunately essential that we close this stretch of the A73.

“We urge all drivers to use the diversion route which will be clearly signposted during these essential repairs.

“We hope, once the work has been completed, that the long term benefits will be appreciated by all road users in the area.

“Your patience and understanding during the short term period of this unavoidable inconvenience is much appreciated.”