Subscribe to our Construction Newsfeed
Scotland Construction Directory
Search our 14,699 companies....

Construction News

31/07/2008

Oversund Roundabout To Open Soon

The new Oversund roundabout, Shetland, at the junction of the A970 South Road and Oversund Road is now virtually complete and will come into full use very soon. The Council is urging drivers to approach it with extra care until everyone gets used to it.

The new roundabout was required to cope with the additional traffic resulting from increased development in the area, the most significant of which is some 120 new homes developed by the Hjatland Housing Association at Quoys. Had the existing junction been retained, the additional traffic would have resulted in ever increasing delays at peak times for traffic trying to join the main road. The new roundabout now in use will minimise delays and generally help traffic flow.

As well as a new roundabout, additional traffic calming and an extended 20 mph speed limit is included, as well as increased parking at the school and landscaping of rough ground adjacent to Nederdale. All three projects were tendered as one contract in order to carry out the works as efficiently as possible and to keep down overall costs.
-- Advertisement --
NorthernAsbestosServicesLtd



To minimise future maintenance, it was decided that the central circle of the roundabout should be made into a feature using hard landscaping rather than grass that needs to be cut regularly. The feature chosen incorporates a compass rose pointing to magnetic north, made of recycled materials, and designed to be long lasting. Design of the compass was by James Mackenzie of the Shetland Amenity Trust, with the pavers and beads supplied by Enviroglass from locally sourced recycled glass.

Landscaping of the adjacent area between the roundabout, the Fish Box and Nederdale will provide an alternative to regularly mown grass. A requirement by SEPA to install a settlement pond to mitigate pollution from road surface run off has given an opportunity to use aquatic and marginal plants such as reeds, sedges and irises. Meadow plantings with a mix of bulbs and wild flowers will require a once or twice yearly cutting, and with a mix of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants will provide greater biodiversity than grass alone. Paths and dry-stone raised beds will add to the amenity and aesthetic appeal of the area

Local Councillor and Environment spokesperson Jim Henry said: "This is an excellent example of how joint working with a number of Council departments and external bodies came together to reduce costs, improve the local amenity and environment of the area and it is hoped that this will provide a long lasting and worthwhile asset to the local community. In addition, traffic calming measures included in the project should improve road safety near the busy Sound Primary School."

(GK/JM)

Latest Construction News

15/04/2025
Construction of a £70 million student accommodation development at 292-298 St Vincent Street in Glasgow has reached a significant milestone, with the building now visibly rising from the ground. Drone footage has captured the progress of the project, which is a partnership between developer Artisa
15/04/2025
Energy regulator Ofgem is expected to confirm today (April 15) its finalised Connections Reform process, designed to expedite grid connections for renewable energy projects that are ready and crucial for achieving the UK's clean power targets for 2030 and beyond. The new connections system, anticip
15/04/2025
The ambitious transformation of Glasgow’s landmark George Square has moved into a tangible phase with the commencement of the erection of hoardings around the perimeter of the civic space. Starting today, the hoardings will enclose the Square for the duration of its 18-month redevelopment. The pane
15/04/2025
Members of the public are invited to attend a consultation feedback event to discuss the proposed infrastructure associated with a new underground electricity transmission cable between the Kinardochy and Errochty substations in Perthshire. The event will take place on Monday, 28 April, from 4 pm t
15/04/2025
Turner & Townsend have been appointed as project managers to develop a business case for the potential extension of the Borders Railway beyond its current terminus at Tweedbank to Hawick and Carlisle. This key appointment will enable crucial work to progress on the project, including feasibility s
15/04/2025
Arran Community Renewables, a Community Benefit Society based on the Isle of Arran, has secured planning consent for a 6 MW solar farm. The Glenkiln Solar Farm, located approximately 1km west of Lamlash, is projected to generate 5,600MWh of clean renewable energy annually from 2027. The £5 million
15/04/2025
A new Route Map has been published by the Scottish Land Commission (SLC) to ensure communities across Scotland secure tangible and long-lasting benefits from nature restoration projects and investment in the country's natural environment. The practical guide is designed for landowners, developers,
15/04/2025
Award-winning principal contractor Procast Group has further expanded its presence across Scotland with the opening of a new base in Dumfries. The Hamilton-based firm has invested £30,000 in a new warehouse and office facility in the Maxwelltown Industrial Estate in Dumfries and Galloway, marking it
14/04/2025
Glasgow City Council's Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) facilitated the completion of over 1,000 new affordable homes in the city during the past year, despite facing budgetary reductions at the start of the financial year. The initial grant of £78.687 million from the Scottish Government
14/04/2025
A key phase of Scottish Water's £11.5 million project to upgrade a strategic rising sewer main connecting Renfrew and Glasgow is set to begin, resulting in a significant road closure. From Monday, 28 April 2025, Ferry Road in Renfrew will be closed to all vehicular traffic for a period of four mont
RBT Underfloor LimitedMorris & Spottiswood Ltd@rchitects Scotland LtdProlink Building Solutions LtdCross BlindsDiscount Kitchens and Bathrooms LtdHutton Stone Co LtdACCON UK LtdACCON UK LtdWalshy Joinery