Road works update for week starting 23 January

A roundup of works underway or soon to start around Orkney, for the week starting Monday 23 January.

Survey work is planned on the first Churchill Barrier (A961) from 24 through to 26 January inclusive. It's expected most of the work will be carried out using temporary traffic signals but there could also be some short duration closures to ensure the works are carried out in safety. All motorists and bus services should expect short delays. Read more about the works here.

Road Work on Quoyloo Road between West Bain and Kierfiold Farm which had been due to start this week (16 January) was postponed due to bad weather - it's now scheduled to take place from Monday (23 January) for one week (ending 27 January) under road closure conditions. A signed diversion route will be in place.

Works by OpenReach on the main A965 through Finstown are taking place in stages on the stretch between Old Finstown Road and The Pomona, with traffic lights in place. This will mean slight delays for all traffic including public buses. Works are expected to be ongoing until mid February (starting 16 January and taking around four weeks to complete).

The collapsed culvert on the Harray Road (A986) is currently covered by steel plates while replacement options are being investigated. Further information will be provided in due course once replacement works are programmed.

Work on the retaining wall at the junction of Hammar Road and the A966 (the main Finstown-Tingwall-Evie road) is underway with work expected to take until the end of February 2023 to complete. Traffic delays including delays to Bus Service 7 will be slightly longer as the area covered by traffic lights has been extended to enable the work to be carried safely. Motorists are also reminded the road width is now significantly narrower – please be mindful of these changes and to drive accordingly and observe any speed signs which are there for everyone’s protection.

Streetlighting and footway resurfacing started on Scapa Crescent 18 January and are currently programmed to continue until 5 April. The work will be carried out using a variety of traffic management which will include road closures at times.

Scottish Water started work on Groatsetter Road and Newark Road, Tankerness on 16 January - road closures in the area are expected to be in place until 3 February. A signed diversion route is in place via the A960, Churchyard Road and Shore Road.

Work on Yesnaby Road has been rescheduled to take place between 30 January and 1 February 2023, with the road being closed for the duration. Delays to affected properties will be minimised when possible.

Looking ahead:

The Openreach works on the Yinstay Road, Tankerness, have been rescheduled to commence on 17 February 2023 with completion currently planned for 17 May 2023. Access will be maintained for school transport.