Sound Of Barra Integrated Transport Project

Eriskay - 7th April 2001

Work in the week to April 7 saw the sea flowing freely once again through the bridge cut - giving Eriskay a sort of return to Island status.

But would-be mariners were warned through an advertisement in the Stornoway Gazette that the bridge opening was still being cleared of submerged rocks and that fenders were still to be attached to the bridge.

The bridge, which will give very little clearance at high tide for vessels, is mainly intended to allow the passage of aquatic creatures.

The roadway on top of the causeway is now moving rapidly towards its final shape.

Causeway

• Core level raised to an average of 0.5m below final level
• Rock armouring to core in progress : approaching 90 per cent complete
• Stone parapet walls continuing both sides from Eriskay : 810m complete on West side and 830m complete on the East side, 50 per cent complete
• Total rock placed : over 660,000 tonnes : approximately 95 per cent of final quantity

Bridge

• Diversion fill removal progressing - approximately 75 per cent complete
• Excavated material being used in causeway construction

Uist Quarry

Drilling, blasting & excavating rock ­ over 90 per cent complete

Road and Services

• Trimming of formation has started in Eriskay rock cut
• Landscaping and reinstatement work continues

Weather: Windy early in the week becoming calmer, dry and sunny

Personnel: 56 total employed on site (including 2 CnES), 60% resident in the Western Isles.