Roads update for week starting 20/04/2026

A summary of road delays and closures due to road and building/utility works and events for the week starting Monday 20/04/2026.

An interactive map showing roadworks carried out by the Council is available at www.orkney.gov.uk/roads.

Road works and closures by other bodies are published on the Scottish Road Works Commissioner website.

Road, building and utility works

Ongoing works

A965, Finstown – Works are underway on the A965 between Atlantis Lodges and the Old Finstown Road junction and are expected to be completed by the middle of May 2026. Works will take place in sections with temporary traffic lights and speed restrictions in place. This will affect all traffic, including public bus services.

A960, between Groatsetter Road and Churchyard Road, Tankerness – Road reconstruction works have commenced and are expected to take around two weeks to complete. The work will be carried out under temporary traffic signals and there will be delays to all traffic in the area, including bus services, whilst the works are being carried out.

Looking Ahead

Brownstown Road, Stromness – Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) are planning to start works from Monday 04/05/2026 to lay underground ducting on Brownstown Road, Stromness. Works will be carried out under road closure conditions. Access to properties will be maintained at all times.

Castle Street, Kirkwall – We are currently planning to carry out surfacing works from Tuesday 05/05/2026, with the work expected to take around two weeks to complete. The work will be carried out under full road closure conditions and will affect public bus services No.4 Kirkwall Airport and No.9 Kirkwall Town Service, as well as taxis using Castle Street. Further information will be provided nearer the time.

Surface Dressing – Surface dressing works are due to commence across various locations throughout Orkney from late May into July 2026.

The surface dressing programme will include the following locations:

·       Tankerness Hall Road

·       Cornquoy Road, Holm

·       Aikers Road, South Ronaldsay

·       A961, Holm

·       A966, Firth

·       Hundland Road, Birsay

·       Hillside Road, Birsay

Further updates will be provided ahead of the main surface dressing works, including specific dates and traffic management arrangements.