Temporary traffic management measures on Staffin Road, Portree

As the construction of Portree Link Road progresses, contractor Strath Civil Engineering is advising residents of temporary traffic measures on Staffin Road as the construction enters phase two.

From 14th September, traffic will be rerouted to the west lane of the new roundabout as contractors work on other approaches. Temporary traffic lights will continue to operate and tarring works will take place one week prior to the new traffic measures, improving the road surface of the west lane for all road users.

Once switched to the west lane, the east lane of the A855 Staffin road roundabout will  be excavated and the remainder of the north and south approaches to the roundabout will be formed.

The next few weeks will also see landscaping and fencing works commence by the end of September and tarring works to the east section take place by mid-October. The remainder of the SUDs basin construction will be carried out once the road construction is complete.

Strath Civil Engineering would like to thank residents for their continued patience and observance of temporary traffic measures throughout the construction period.

Chair of the Isle of Skye and Raasay Committee, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “The Portree link road is a key transport project that is going to open up a range of opportunities for housing and other amenities - it is really exciting to see it nearing completion.

“This is positive news for the island and I congratulate the officers and contractors for their work in delivering the project and thank residents for their continued patience while temporary traffic measures are in place.”

Portree Link Road is the final section of the northern distributor road around Portree, connecting two key routes in north Skye: the A87 Dunvegan Road with the A855 Staffin Road.

£1.9 million in funding has been allocated by the Scottish Government and the Highland Council to deliver the works which will allow for better distribution of traffic in the area, avoiding the need to travel through Portree town centre and reducing congestion at the junction to Portree Harbour.

Portree Link Road has been part of the local development plan since 2019 and is due for completion in October.

Those who wish to be kept informed on progress can sign up to the email distribution list by contacting portreelinkroad@whalelikefish.co.uk.

About Portree Link Road

The creation of a Link Road forms an integral part of the long term and strategic expansion of Portree at Home Farm. It has been identified in successive development plans including the West Highland and Islands Local Development Plan (West Plan) which was adopted in 2019. The Link Road serves both the development at Home Farm and connects the A87 Dunvegan Road with the A855 Staffin Road.

The Portree Link Road is also a key component of the Skye and Raasay Investment Plan being prepared by The Highland Council, in conjunction with Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The Investment Plan will highlight that the completion of the Link Road will contribute greatly towards the emerging outcomes and be a trigger for other projects to help the recovery and regeneration in Portree and the wider region.

About Strath Civil Engineering

Strath Civil Engineering is a civil engineering and construction company based in Dingwall. We are privately owned and are set up to carry out construction works for businesses and individuals throughout the Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire.

Press release issued on behalf of Strath Civil Engineering