A short section of the main road through Strathpeffer will be closed for up to three weeks to allow Scottish Water to carry out essential work.
Road users are advised that a section of the A834 will be closed to traffic from January 31 to allow the final part of an upgrade to the village’s main sewer to be completed.
Pedestrian access will remain possible throughout.
For the duration of the work, traffic will be diverted via the A835 Ullapool road.
Road access to the primary school, medical practice and community centre will be from the Contin side of the works only, while the Square and Spa Pavilion will only be accessible from the Dingwall side.
Arrangements have been made for school transport services to continue, using the diversion where necessary, and local businesses will remain open as usual while work is taking place.
The project is being carried out on Scottish Water’s behalf by its alliance partner amey-binnies and contractor Morrison Construction.
Project manager Sam Neill said:
“This work is required to resolve a conflict between a section of the sewer which was upgraded in 2018 and an underground electricity cable below the A834 at the foot of Garden House Brae.
“The location of this cable was not known in advance of the original upgrade in 2018 and unfortunately it was not possible to resolve the conflict safely at that time.
“Carrying out this work now will ensure the full benefits of our earlier investment in the sewer network are realised – so that the village’s sewers can continue to serve customers and protect the environment for years to come.
“We recognise that this is a particularly challenging part of the road network to close and have worked with the roads authority to explore all available options.
“Unfortunately, the sewer is located near the centre of the road and there is no safe way to complete the excavation while allowing traffic to pass.
“There is also no local diversion route available within the village.
“Our team on site will be focused on completing the work safely and as quickly as possible.
“We would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused while our work is underway.”
Gavin Steel, Scottish Water’s regional corporate affairs manager, said:
“Following discussion with representatives of the community last year, we have scheduled this work for the quieter winter months.
“We are also putting arrangements in place to mitigate the impact of the work as far as we can, particularly on school and public transport, while ensuring the final section of upgraded sewer is completed as quickly as possible so that the road can re-open.
“Pedestrian access past the working area will remain possible at all times – and local businesses and community facilities will be able to open as usual for the time of year.
“I would like to apologise for the need for a road closure at this difficult location, where there is no local alternative for cars and vehicles apart from the signposted diversion via the A835.
“We are grateful for the community’s understanding and the constructive feedback that we have received while preparing for the work to take place.”
