As the summer sun creeps in, so too do the yellow signs, hi-vis jackets and tell-tale hum of machinery—Orkney’s annual road maintenance season is shifting into gear.
From mid-May through to the end of June, drivers across the islands are being asked to ease off the pedal and plan for delays, as Orkney Islands Council launches its 2025 surface dressing programme.
With warmer weather providing the ideal conditions for this crucial work, the Roads team is already on the ground prepping over 20 kilometres of roads for a much-needed refresh.
If you’ve spotted crews sweeping, patching or laying out cones, that’s the start of what will be a carefully timed operation to seal and protect the lifeblood of Orkney’s transport network.
This year’s programme includes 17 road sections spread across ten areas, from Stromness to South Ronaldsay, with work kicking off on Russland Road in Harray on 14 May.
Surface dressing might not look flashy, but it plays a starring role in keeping roads safe and strong for years to come.
By adding a new layer of binder and stone chips to the surface, the process helps stop water seeping in, which is one of the main culprits behind those dreaded potholes.
It’s also great value, costing around £6 per square metre—far less than full resurfacing—and helps stretch public money that little bit further.
Lorna Richardson, Head of Neighbourhood Services, says the summer timing is key:
“The warmer temperatures help the materials cure more quickly, so we can get roads reopened sooner and keep the disruption to a minimum.”
But while the work is essential, it does mean a bit of patience is needed.
Drivers should expect closures on affected routes while crews are on site, with school transport accommodated but all other vehicles diverted—except for emergency services.
“You might see our teams out early in the morning or into the evening,” Lorna adds, “so we’d really appreciate everyone driving with care and allowing extra time where needed.”
To help residents stay in the loop, the Council is sharing regular updates via their website and social media, with a handy interactive map showing which roads are affected and when.
Work is always subject to weather, of course, so keep an eye out for changes to the planned dates.
But one thing’s certain—every chip laid this summer will help keep Orkney moving safely through the seasons ahead.
For a full list of scheduled works and to follow updates, visit www.orkney.gov.uk/roads or find the Council on Facebook.
