The wait is almost over! Dales Lees Road, a crucial artery connecting communities, was set to reopen today, but a brief delay has left drivers hanging on a little longer. But here's the twist: this delay might just be a blessing in disguise, ensuring a safer journey for all.
The A968 Dales Lees road, which has been closed for essential cabling work, is now scheduled to reopen on Monday, November 10th. The Shetland Islands Council, prioritizing safety, requested that the developer SSEN and their contractor restore the road's edge line before allowing traffic to resume. This precautionary measure is vital, especially considering the road's narrow width, which previously prevented cable-laying work while traffic was in motion.
The delay, caused by today's unfavorable weather conditions, is a temporary setback. However, forecasts predict a weather window this weekend, allowing the edge line work to be completed. This road is a vital link, connecting Voe to Firth/Mossbank and the Toft ferry terminal, which provides access to the islands of Yell and Unst.
The road closure, initially planned for October, was extended due to unforeseen circumstances, as explained by the Yell Community Council. The closure has been a challenge, redirecting traffic through Brae for those traveling to and from the Toft terminal.
SSEN's cabling project is part of a larger initiative to reinforce the North Mainland power supply. The company is laying high-voltage underground cables to connect the Sullom Voe Terminal to the national grid, ensuring a stable power source for homes in the North Mainland and North Isles, even after the terminal's power station is decommissioned.
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