News / Main Westside road to close for essential repairs to bridge
THE MAIN road connecting the Westside with the rest of Shetland will be closed at Strom Bridge this coming weekend to allow for essential repairs, Shetland Islands Council has said.
The A971 will be closed at Olligarth from 9am on Saturday to 5pm on Sunday.
The council said essential work has to be carried out to an “old bridge deck uncovered during the installation of an otter crossing”.
A council spokesperson said: “The bridge deck originates from around the 1950s and was buried when the new two lane road was put in place and the road alignment was improved.
“The original deck has deteriorated and the deck slab has been exposed during the recent planned works to install this water crossing.
“Due to the deck’s poor condition is now necessary to remove the slab and fill in the void below the old deck, before the new otter crossing is put in place.”
Diversions via the Kergord and/or the single track Stromfirth road will be signposted.
All Westside bus services will divert through Stromfirth and Girlsta on Saturday after 9am. The bus stops at South Whiteness and Nesbister will not be served during the diversion.
The SIC roads service apologised for any inconvenience caused.
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