Delays likely due to Finstown roadworks

The Council is reminding motorists of the potential for delays in the coming months as a major programme of roadworks is now underway in Finstown (A965).

The necessary work on the A965 stretching from Heddle Road to Grandon Road, which began on Friday (5 May), is being split into three separate areas with the first involving the junction with the A966 Evie Road. This is being controlled by temporary traffic lights.

At peak times, drivers can expect delays of up to ten minutes on their journey – so please make allowance for this.

The works, which are required to keep the roads maintained, are scheduled to take around 16 weeks.

The Council’s Head of Neighbourhood Services, Lorna Richardson, said: “This is a major piece of improvement work which is necessary after we identified some fairly deep-rooted issues on that stretch of road. We will be digging down and reconstructing from the foundations up.

“We would advise folk to plan ahead and make sure they allow that little bit of extra time, especially at peak times in the morning and late afternoon.”

Roadworks are required to maintain the condition of the county’s network and have to be carried out when weather conditions are more favourable.

Lorna Richardson added: “We ask that motorists bear with the roadworks teams and drive carefully as they pass, adhering to the traffic lights and signs.”

All school buses will travel through the works unhindered in the mornings to ensure that no one is late for exams, and we would suggest that extra time is given for anyone heading to the Tingwall ferry. There will be no ‘hail and ride’ within the traffic management area, please find a safe place outwith and away from the traffic lights to catch the bus. Letters have been sent to local residents and the Community Council.

Access for businesses and residents will be maintained for the majority of the project but there may be times where vehicular access is restricted due to the location of works.

As the programme of works move further up the village brae towards Baikies Stores, it is planned to move onto a convoy system and the likelihood of more significant delays unfortunately.

For more information on the planned programmes of work please go to www.orkney.gov.uk/roadworks

We would like to thank everyone for their patience during this prolonged period of works.