Drivers in Galashiels are being asked to delay their journeys

Disruption in the town has begun to bite as work continues on the new relief road, with one lane of the Ladhope Vale bypass closed.

The situation is likely to continue for about six weeks - until Station Brae bridge comes down in mid-July.

A spokesman for Scottish Borders Council asked drivers to plan journeys with the roadworks in mind.

Steven Renwick said traffic lights had been brought in and their impact would be assessed.

"We need to be sure this is not going to cause the significant amount of concerns that perhaps the community in Galashiels think it will," he said.

"On the evidence, traffic will be held up during its progression through the town at the set of traffic lights at Ladhope Vale."

Mr Renwick appealed to drivers to "stagger or delay or alter" the timing of journeys and avoid peak times in the morning and night to help ease the situation.