Roadworks will start today on the A971 above Weisdale Voe and may last until June 2022, to allow cables to be laid in ducts alongside the highway for the Viking Energy Wind Farm.
The works will begin at the Scord of Sound, near the viewpoint overlooking Kalliness, and will be done progressively in 300 metre sections leading northwards down the hill, towards the Kergord Junction with the B9075. Overall, the length of public road that will be affected is around 1.6 miles, or 2.6 km.
Wherever work is taking place, the road width will be reduced to a single lane, with traffic lights in place to manage traffic flow. A 20 mph speed limit will be in place for the length of the roadworks to protect the workforce from passing traffic. Traffic flow will be monitored to reduce waiting times and inconvenience as far as possible.
The work is required to facilitate the installation of the high voltage DC interconnector cable for the Viking Energy Wind Farm.