Eriskay & Barra Roads

In response to statements made regarding the conditions of roads in Eriskay, the Comhairle’s Chairman of Transportation, Cllr. Norman A. Macdonald, said:

“As part of the additional £2.2m of funding secured from the Scottish Executive for works associated with the Sound Of Barra vehicle service, £1m has been allocated to upgrade the roads on Eriskay and Barra to ensure that all sizes of vehicles can access the ferry terminal. A programme of improvements will be carried out to take out blind summits, sharp corners and width restrictions.

The Transportation Committee approved the method of procurement for the upgrading of the roads, using the Area contractors on both Uist and Barra assisted by other contractors as required. Local members and community councils will be kept informed as the schemes are developed.

Work has progressed and some surfacing work was undertaken on Barra last financial year. Detailed surveys of each of the identified locations have been undertaken and the exact scale of each improvement is currently being detailed. Surveying work was carried out on Eriskay this week.

On completion of the local upgrade/improvement works it is proposed to strengthen and resurface the access to the new terminals.

In terms of the capital programme over this financial year, the only place where we will be spending substantial capital funding for road improvements is Eriskay and Barra.”

ENDS

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk