Road works update for week starting 7 March

Road works will be underway next week in several locations across mainland Orkney, with some road closures and changes to bus services.

Finstown

Phase 1 of the resurfacing works in Finstown on the A965 (main Kirkwall to Stromness Road) are continuing, with the road closed between the access to The Boathouse and its junction with the Old Finstown Road. A signed diversion route is in place via Zions Loan and Old Finstown Road. Public bus services X1, 6 and 8 will follow the diversion and be subject to slight delays as a result. Access to properties within the site area will be maintained where possible and as directed by site staff. Phase 1 is expected to be in place for most of the week starting 7 March. Work would then move onto Phase two of the works in Finstown. These will be carried out under temporary traffic lights, but will also involve the closure of the Old Finstown Road from its junction with the main A965 to its junction with the Acre Lea Road (access to Firth Community Centre). Again, there will be a signed diversion route in place but this time via Zions Loan and the A965. This phase of works is also expected to last for approximately one week.

Broad Street/Palace Road

The works on Broad Street and Palace Road in Kirkwall are also ongoing. Broad Street is closed from its junction with Castle Street, with the closure continuing on around into Palace Road to just beyond its junction with Watergate. Access for waste / recycling collections and essential deliveries to businesses in the area will be maintained, at the discretion of site staff and dependent on the work being carried out at that time.

Norseman

Road works at A966 (Finstown to Tingwall/Evie road) at its junction with the Gorseness Road just outside Norseman Village are ongoing - work is being carried out using temporary traffic light. Drivers are advised to allow extra time for their journey.

Sunnybank Road

Starting on Monday, resurfacing works will start on Sunnybank Road, St Ola, from Hatston Park up to the old Water. These are planned to be carried out under temporary traffic lights but there may be short periods where full road closure is required to undertake works safely. Works are expected to be completed by Friday (11 March).

Harray

Reconstruction and resurfacing works are being ongoing on the main A986 between Grimeston Road to Refuge Corner. Works are being carried out traffic lights, but there may be short durations when the road will be closed to carry out works safely. Drivers are advised to allow extra time for their journey.

Footpath works in Kirkwall

A reminder that work to improve drop kerbs and crossings are taking place at 25 locations across Kirkwall over March and April – starting with Carters Park Road with Berstane Road, Cromwell Drive, and Logie Drive. More information here https://www.orkney.gov.uk/News?postid=5148

Gateway works at five villages

New speed signs and road markings are being installed in Dounby, Burray, Toab, St Mary’s and Deerness over March.
More information here https://www.orkney.gov.uk/News?postid=5148 
 
The Council thanks drivers in advance for their patience as we carry out these important works.

You can find out more about these road works including diversion plans on our Roads Maintenance page.