Sunday 13 October 2024
 3.9°C   WNW Light Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Transport / Inter-island transport programme project takes step forward

Development director Neil Grant says ‘now feels like the time is right to take a fresh look at what is possible’

The Eysturoyartunnilin tunnel in Faroe. Photo: Ólavur Frederiksen

CONSULTANTS have now been selected for the council’s upcoming inter-island transport connectivity programme which will explore the possibility of tunnels to some of Shetland’s islands.

Following a competitive bid process, Stantec UK Ltd has been selected as the preferred bidder for the programme.

The work includes developing the network strategy strategic and outline business cases, conducting stakeholder engagement and setting out the implementation route map that will set out the order in which individual projects should be prioritised.

This work will get underway once the 18-month contract is finalised and formally awarded.

It will explore the needs of Shetland’s inter-island transport network.

Shetland Islands Council’s development director Neil Grant said: “This is a hugely important programme of work for Shetland, and one that will have communities at its heart.

“We’ve already set up a community stakeholder/user group and there will be stakeholder engagement across the islands during this whole process.

“A resilient and sustainable transport network is essential for supporting communities, meeting current needs and allowing for future development.

“The business case will set out an evidence-based way forward that defines preferred options for each transport route, and these could include options that may be unprecedented in the UK.

“There has been a huge amount of work done on fixed links over the years.

“It now feels like the time is right to take a fresh look at what is possible.

“We look forward to working with Stantec on a project that has the potential to make a significant difference to the connectivity of the islands and Shetland as a whole.”

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.