Final approval for new Cullivoe road delayed

THE FINAL approval for the Cullivoe road project has been put back to March following a hold-up in the tendering process.

A report presented to councillors on Tuesday showed how additional information has needed to be sought from contractors.

The intention had been that the outcome of the tendering process would have been reported to council on 10 February, but this has now been postponed to 25 March.

However, the report does confirm that a preferred contractor has been selected.

The project, to construct a new road into Cullivoe in Yell, was last estimated to cost nearly £10 million.

Three tenders were received for the work on the B9082, which will see a new 6.8 metre two-lane road between Gutcher and Cullivoe.

The project, which has the support of councillors, aims to address safety concerns on the existing single track road, and also support the local community and businesses – with the road an important link to the Cullivoe pier, where fish is landed.

Advertisement9 of 10

The scheme is still listed as an unfunded project in the SIC’s asset investment plan ahead of the final business case being approved.

Clarity was sought about the current status of the procurement process by North Isles member Robert Thomson at Tuesday’s meeting.

However, SIC lawyer Paul Wishart said he was reluctant to offer any comment as the process was in the “standstill” period.