Sound Of Barra Integrated Transport Project

Eriskay - 10th February 2001

A major breakthrough in the access road construction for the Eriskay Causeway was reached this week as the excavation and blasting for the road from the causeway finally reached the existing village road below the church.

This marks the end of blasting in this area which has been going on since May last year. Rock excavation is rated as 98 per cent complete.

Rock Armouring To Core: now more than 70 per cent complete.

Causeway Total rock placed: 600,000 tonnes : 85 per cent of final quantity. Core raised south of bridge to 1.3m (average) below finished level

Uist Quarry: Drilling, blasting & excavating rock - more than 80 per cent complete

Bridge: Precast beam deliveries and placing - start delayed - rescheduled after 15th February. Completion of bridge structure planned for mid-March

Weather: Sleet and wind Monday/Tuesday, fine and cold Wednesday-Friday, strong wind and rain on Saturday

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