Travel disruptions are set to continue across Orkney as essential roadworks and festive preparations get underway, with motorists advised to plan their journeys accordingly during the winter period.
Temporary traffic lights near Glaitness Primary on Pickaquoy Road are currently causing delays as contractors work to install power cables, though access to the Pickaquoy Centre and school car park remains open.
The seasonal spirit brings a series of planned road closures for Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, beginning with Stromness on 27 November, followed by St Margaret’s Hope on 29 November, Kirkwall on 30 November, and Dounby on 6 December.
Major infrastructure work continues at the A965 New Finstown Sub-Station in Firth, where temporary traffic signals will be implemented from 19 November to facilitate wall removal and delivery of mechanical plant.
The A966 between Skiddy Road and Gorseness Road in Rendall remains under traffic light control for reconstruction works until mid-December, with a temporary 30mph speed limit in place.
Kirkwall’s Old Finstown Road witnesses ongoing streetlighting improvements, affecting both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, with works expected to span 12 weeks under temporary traffic management.
The closure of Junction Road outside the Albert Hotel continues to redirect traffic via Ayre Road and Great Western Road, as part of a six-month building renovation project that began in September.
Significant delays are expected at the Pickaquoy Road and Junction Road intersection due to extensive building works, while St Margaret’s Hope’s Pier Road and Kirkwall’s King Street are scheduled for reconstruction in the coming months.
Motorists are strongly encouraged to factor these works into their journey times and consider alternative routes where possible, particularly during peak travel periods and the upcoming festive celebrations.
Local bus services, including the Town Service No. 9 and the Birsay/Dounby No. 7, continue to operate with minor adjustments to accommodate these essential infrastructure improvements.
Further details regarding Christmas tree lighting events and associated road closures can be found in the public notice section of The Orkney Islands Council (Christmas Tree Lighting Events) (Temporary Closure) Order 2024.
