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2411 London Road
Glasgow
G32 8XT

Tel: 0141 764 2411
Fax: 0141 764 2434

 

North Office
Strathpeffer Road
Dingwall
IV15 9XB

Tel: 01349 860000
Fax: 01349 860005
Roads and Structures

A9 Helmsdale to Ord of Caithness Phase 2

Client
 Transport Scotland
Value
 £5.45M
Designer
 Scott Wilson Scotland Ltd
Programme
 52 Weeks
Contract Form
 Lump Sum
Completed
 2008


The project was for the upgrading of the A9 between East Helmsdale and Allt Briste. It involved a conventional fully designed realignment of approximately 2.1km of the A9 from Helmsdale to the start of Phase I works completed previously. Phases I and II have together greatly improved the treacherous bends and hills of the Ord of Caithness. Although there was some 90,000m3 of fill, overall progress was largely determined by the structures which lay beneath areas of biggest embankment. The scheme also included the construction of new junctions, a roundabout and an overtaking lane. Site blasting and processing of 15,000m3 of rock produced various road make-up and drainage products. Structures included an underpass and 3 no. culverts which incorporated concrete baffle walls and mammal ledges.

 

Principal Elements included:

Excavation 100,000m3 / Fill 90,000m3
Structural Concrete 8,000m3 / Kerbing 1,000m
Agricultural Underpass (3m x 3m, 41m long) 1 no.
Multiplate Culverts (each 2.1m dia, 75m long) 3 no.

 

Key Issues:

  • Close liaison with SEPA to obtain and operate a site specific CAR licence for 3 large watercourses traversing the new road alignment
  • Re-use of dry stone walls throughout the site
  • Liaison with public utilities for various service diversions, but particularly for the realignment of 2 network-critical fibre optic services