Speed limit coming to First Barrier after surface inspection

Temporary road signs will be installed next week imposing a 40mph speed limit on the first Churchill Barrier.

According to Orkney Islands Council, the move follows a recent inspection which showed there has been a deterioration in the condition of the road surface across part of the causeway.

Darren Richardson, the OIC’s head of infrastructure, said: “We carry out regular road surface condition inspections every three months as part of the council’s roads management maintenance plan.

“For some time, we have been planning a specialised survey of the First Barrier, which will produce a detailed 3D picture of the road surface. This is due to be carried out later this month.

“In preparation for the 3D survey, we recently undertook an additional and detailed visual inspection. From this, we could see that there has been a progressive, and recent, deterioration of the road surface on part of the barrier. The level of deterioration is such that we need to ask drivers to take greater care when crossing the causeway.

“As a result, we have taken the operational decision to introduce an advisory speed limit of 40mph on the First Barrier. We will be putting up signs next week that advise drivers to keep to this speed limit and be aware of the uneven road surface.”

The council says the survey will provide a clear picture of the condition of road surface and options will then be considered on how to address the deterioration.

It added that lane closures will be needed while the survey is taking place.