Wick Councillor Welcomes News Of South Road Works To Commence

13th May 2012

Wick councillor Bill Fernie welcomed the news that Transerv will shortly start drainage and resurfacing works on the South Road in Wick. Wick councillors have been complaining about the delays for some time in getting this road up to a decent standard. "After works a few years ago the road was left in a terrible and deteriorating state. Some patchwork repairs still left the road in a poor condition. We have tried for the past couple of years to get this road brought up to an acceptable standard and get the drainage works carried out. Whilst we recognised the considerable cost in this scheme we felt it needed to be done. I am please that Transport Scotland have now agreed the works can commence and that Transerv will get this fixed and have outlined their timetable."

Scotland TranServ, acting on behalf of Transport Scotland, is proposing to carry out essential carriageway maintenance on the A99 Trunk Road from the Wick Retail Park to the junction of the A99 and A882 Thurso Road, Cliff Road and Dempster Street.

The 1km of carriageway requires reconstruction to resolve current carriageway failures by removing and replacing the upper 100mm bituminous layer. In addition, it will be necessary to carry out additional drainage works throughout the length of the scheme.

For your information a draft consultation drawing has been attached to provide a graphical representation of the scheme extents.

The proposal is to reconstruct the carriageway in multiple phases through the works. During construction the Trunk Road will be reduced to one lane under temporary traffic signal control or similar approved Traffic Management System.

It is anticipated that the drainage works will commence on the 28th May 2012, followed by the surfacing works on the 18th June 2012. The overall construction duration of the project is likely to be approximately 5 weeks from the start of the drainage works. It is proposed that works will be carried out Monday to Friday from 07.00 to 19:00 hours. However, we may work later than 19:00 hours in the immediate area around the Retail Park and Petrol Station in order to minimise disruption to these businesses.

The works will unfortunately cause some disruption to vehicles, pedestrians and businesses. Every attempt will be made, as far as possible, to ensure access arrangements to business premises and residential properties are maintained throughout the construction period.

To reduce disruption the works will be constructed in a controlled manner, with good communication between affected parties. The works will be supervised by Scotland TranServ representatives throughout the contract period.