Sound Of Barra Integrated Transport Project

Eriskay - 3rd February 2001

The excavation of rock on Eriskay to create the cutting for the new double-track access road which is going to sweep into the centre of the village is now nearly complete with only 50 metres to go.

The cutting is also providing around one-third of the rock needed to create the causeway. Overall progress on the causeway up to February 3 was -

Rock armouring to core: in progress - 70 per cent complete.

Total rock placed: 590,000 tonnes - 84 per cent of final quantity.

Core raised south of bridge to 1.5m (average) below finished level.

Uist Quarry: Drilling, blasting & excavating rock ­ over 80 per cent complete.

Bridge:

• Southern abutment concreted
• Precast beam deliveries & placing - expected to start 8th February
• Completion of bridge structure planned for mid March

Eriskay Approach Road: Rock excavation - 95 per cent complete - final 50m section in progress (of 650m).

Weather: mostly fine/overcast with some moderate winds and showers.

Personnel: 47 total employed on site (including 2 CNES) - 62 per cent resident in the Western Isles.