New £5m Cullivoe road nears final approval
THE CONSTRUCTION of a road in Cullivoe which will cost around £5 million is close to being given the green light.
A full business case for the new two-lane road between Gutcher and Cullivoe was backed by members of Shetland Islands Council’s policy and resources committee on Monday.
It will now go in front of the full council on Wednesday for final approval.
The upgrade of the B9082 from Gutcher to Cullivoe was made a priority road project in 2019 as it is no longer considered fit for purpose due to the number of HGV vehicles using the road.
It is a vital link road for the fishing and aquaculture industries which use the Cullivoe pier.
The road project has a proposed six-year development and construction period.
It would also “future proof” a possible fixed link connection to Unst.
Following a question from Lerwick member Stephen Leask, Neil Hutcheson from the roads department said the council would be in a position to start the land acquisition straight away.
This followed engagement with Yell Community Council to identify land owners.
Chairman of Shetland Islands Council’s environment and transport committee Ryan Thomson said the road improvements were “absolutely vital to us going forward”.
“It’s essential that we see this moving at a fast a speed as possible.”
Thomson moved to recommend that the full council approves the business case, with Robbie McGregor seconding.
Shetland News — free to read
Membership helps pay for journalism
If you value impartial local journalism, become a member of Shetland News and get:
- Only local ads.
- Members' weekly newsletter.
- Bookmark stories and join the comments.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
