Roadworks update for week starting 30 January 2023

A roundup of works underway or soon to start around Orkney, for the week starting Monday 30 January 2023.

Firstly, a heads up for motorists of planned works by OpenReach on the main A965 through Finstown. The works take 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 get underway on Monday 30 January (rescheduled from 23 January), and to last for around four weeks.

In addition to the above Openreach also have works underway at two other locations on the A965 between the Biggings Road and Moss Road, Holm, and between the Harry Road (A986) junction and Maeshowe, with the work in both areas being controlled by temporary traffic lights. This will mean slight delays for all traffic.

The rescheduled work on Yesnaby Road is planned to take place between Wednesday 1 February and Friday 3 February 2023, with the road being closed for the duration. Delays to affected properties will be minimised when possible.

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 16 January with road closures in the area expected to be in place until 3 February. A signed diversion route will be provided via the A960, Churchyard Road and Shore Road.

Work on Quoyloo Road between West Bain and Kierfiold Farm is complete and the road fully reopen

Survey work on the A961 First Chuirchill Barrier is complete and the road fully reopen. 

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.