News / Sea breaches Breiwick barrier
A SEA wall in Lerwick knocked down by waves at the weekend will not be rebuilt until May, according to Shetland Islands Council.
Last year the council approved plans to replace the existing sea wall at the foot of Breiwick Road due to its age and poor condition.
The need for the work was clearly displayed on Saturday when huge waves crashing in from the south east during the weekend gales made short work of around 15 metres of the structure.
Council workers have been clearing away the rubble and installing a guard rail, which will remain in place until May when work should start on a much improved barrier against the elements.
SIC design engineer George Leask said the plan was to create a large, stepped barrier to act as armouring against the sea, topped with a reinforced concrete perimeter wall to replace the old one.
“We would like to do the work now, but we really have to wait until May because that is the soonest we can confidently go ahead with the weather. You can’t poor concrete if there is a heavy sea,” Mr Leask said.
The new wall was designed by civil engineers Mott MacDonald and the job will shortly go out to tender. This will be the first sea wall of this design in Shetland.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.