Transport / Runway resurfacing deferred to next year
THE PROPOSED resurfacing of the Tingwall Airport runway will no longer go ahead this year, councillors have been told.
This is said to be a knock-on effect of the breakdown of mixing equipment at the Scord Quarry earlier this year, which is in turn creating uncertainty for the “considerable logistics” which would be involved in moving flights to Sumburgh Airport during the work.
The update was provided at a meeting of Shetland Islands Council’s environment and transport committee on Monday.
A report confirmed that the project has been deferred to next year, with discussions ongoing with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to confirm arrangements.
Business cases for the resurfacing and consideration of any other capital investment requirements are being finalised for reporting to councillors.
An initial business justification case approved by councillors earlier this year highlighted how the resurfacing project is estimated to cost more than £1 million.
It added that the runway surface has deteriorated and has required patching each year over the last ten years to maintain its integrity, while there has also been concern over the thickness of the bitumen layers.
Tingwall Airport runs flights to Fair Isle and Foula, with Airtask operating the service on behalf of the council.
At Monday’s meeting Shetland South councillor Robbie McGregor asked if there were any licensing implications with deferring the work, but infrastructure director John Smith said the CAA understands the situation.
He added that the council will keep an “enhanced inspection regime” in place and will react to any issues needing immediate attention.
Meanwhile roads manager Neil Hutcheson said the Scord quarry equipment is “just back in action”.
He said the Scord team is now busy supplying materials for the new Sandwater road – the Viking Energy project which had been delayed by the quarry issue.
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