Tonnes of salmon is hauled through the B9092 everyday in Yell, one of North Isles of Shetland, Scotland.
Shetland News reports that Shetland Islands Council’s environment and transport committee have agreed that a road – which is used as an important salmon route – should be made a top priority for GBP 4.3 million upgrade.
Cooke Aquaculture has a plant as well as several seawater production sites in Yell.
The road, designed and constructed in 1851, is now no match for the up-to seven daily articulated trailers for the haulage of salmon and whitefish landings.
The publication reported that a council staff member said that the B9092 between the Gutcher ‘crossroads’ and the pier is “no longer considered fit for purpose due to the recent significant increase in the number of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) using the road”.
“The aquaculture industry in the North Isles, including the salmon processing factory in Mid Yell, relies on the Cullivoe Pier,” it was written in a report presented to the council.
“The deterioration of the B9082, to the point where it can no longer be used by HGVs, would cut off the pier with serious implications for the economy of Yell and Shetland as a whole,” it added.
The case will need to be approved at two other council meetings over the next week before it can proceed to the next step.
