Electronic sign proposal is shelved by OIC

Proposals for electronic signs to provide information to highlight drivers to the risk of waves coming over the Churchill Barriers, and to give information on causeway closures, have been shelved by Orkney Islands Council, for the meantime.

Councillors discussed the issue at today’s meeting of the development and infrastructure committee.

In a report, councillors were told that the overall gross capital cost of the project was estimated at £239,000, including a contingency of £60,000 for electrical connections. Ongoing costs were estimated at a further £8000 a year.

The signs were proposed to be placed close to the barriers, as well as at points on the road outside St Margaret’s Hope, and close to the Highland Park Distillery, just outside Kirkwall.

The costs prompted much discussion and comment on the number of concrete blocks which could be purchased for the same money.

However, following discussions, it was agreed that any plans to install the signs should be deferred for one year, while the council presses ahead with its plan to install a concrete structure named a caisson to the east of the second barrier, close to the wave wall.

The council will then carry out analysis of the area, including by the use of CCTV over the winter period.

The authority will also continue to use social media to spread online information about closures of the barriers, should they occur.

The move to defer the decision on the installation of the signs was moved by Councillor Andrew Drever, supported by Councillor Jim Foubister who both voiced their concerns over the costs of providing the signs as an information service.

A move by Councillor Maurice Davidson to progress with the signs at the present time failed to win a seconder.