Finstown feedback sees improvements on site

Feedback from motorists passing through the Finstown roadworks has led to a number of tweaks to the site in an attempt to make delays a little shorter and large-vehicle manoeuvring a little easier.

The average wait at peak time is around ten minutes – however, this could be further reduced thanks to the manual working of the three-way traffic lights and the adjustment to timings to better suit the routes.

The Council’s Head of Neighbourhood Services, Lorna Richardson, and Service Manager Engineering, David Custer, were at the site this week to see for themselves how the traffic is moving.

Lorna said: “Outwith peaks times, the waiting time is only a few minutes and we observed this ourselves and know this from our own journeys. At peaks times, in the morning and later afternoon when most folk are heading to and from work or school, then the waiting time for some on the busier routes rises to around ten minutes.

“We know that when possible contractors have been allowing passage manually via the lights to ensure those waiting are getting through a little bit quicker. We are also going to tweak the timings of the lights when on an automatic setting to ensure it works better for the three-way system.

“We must stress though that these are very necessary roadworks and there is an inevitable, but relatively minor, disruption to traffic as a result. Please make allowance for the extra time needed, especially if travelling at a peak time.”

Following discussions, Stagecoach will also be operating a smaller bus on the route at all times apart from the first outing which incorporates the school run. There’s also the possibility for sections of the footpath to be closed off at times when alternative routes for pedestrians will be signed.

The works are scheduled to take around 16 weeks and are happening at this time of year due to more favourable weather conditions and ability to work longer hours.

Lorna added: “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 are reconstructing from the foundations up.

“We ask that motorists bear with the roadworks teams and drive carefully as they pass, adhering to the traffic lights and signs for the safety of the roadworkers.”

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 and we will continue to monitor the situation.