Sound Of Barra Integrated Transport Project

Eriskay - 7th October 2000

Work on the temporary loop of the Eriskay Causeway around the site of the planned bridge is now almost complete, more than half a kilometre out from the Uist shore.

Half the planned total of rock has now been used on the total construction.

The access road on the Uist shore is ready for surfacing while the temporary ferry terminal - for use until the causeway is complete - is also nearly ready for use.

Overall progress up until October 7 includes:

Eriskay

The core extends to 720m from shore (ave. 2.3m below full height). Rock armouring to core continues. A total of 165,000 tonnes of rock has been placed, extracted from Eriskay, where the rock cut has reached 380m inland from the shore (of the total of 650m which will form the Eriskay access road.)

South Uist

Causeway core: Is 475m out from shore (average 2m below full height). Diversion around bridge is just about to rejoin the Causeway again - 100m completed, to 540m from shore. Rock armouring to core in progress with 180,000 tonnes of rock placed, extracted from quarry.

The Gap: Currently the gap between the causeway sections is 390m.

Temporary slipway on east side of causeway: the access road down the side of the Causeway, the concrete slab and the timber alignment structure for the slipway are all progressing. The vehicle ferry is to have a dry run in the next few days.

Roadworks from Glendale Road to causeway: cutting and filling complete and is now ready for surfacing. This section of the road is to be used as access to the temporary slipway.