Transport / Roadworks nearly done at Black Gaet junction
ROADWORKS at the Black Gaet junction are expected to conclude prior to the weekend.
Weather permitting, the last day of work should be tomorrow (Friday).
The key focus of the work was to remove the slip road for traffic coming from the south.
The action had been taken due to concerns over the slip road’s length which came to light during analysis into the junction, which has been described by some as an accident “blackspot”.
A spokesperson for Shetland Islands Council said there have been no complications in the roadworks, which saw three sets of traffic lights put up.
“The only slight issue was that the cracking and rutting of the carriageway was worse than originally thought, which was only evident when the traffic lights were in place and it was safer to get a closer look,” they said.
“This may have added a day or two to the overall duration.”
The spokesperson added that the work has been done in two phases.
The first was the removal of the traffic island that formed the slip road and the kerbing of the reduced radius on the entry to the Black Gaet from the south.
The second phase was the inlay resurfacing of the mouth of the junction and of the three lane section of the A970 which was worn, fretting, rutted, cracked with a wearing course that had lost its shape.
“There was a delay of a couple of days between the two phases while the surfacing squad was completing another piece of work,” the spokesperson added. “That delay was weather-related.”
The removal of the slip road means entry into the Black Gaet will take the form of a normal T-junction.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
