Berriedale blasts as A9 upgrade work continues
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A SERIES of explosive blasts to remove rock for a new road at Berriedale went without a hitch.
The blasting took place on Tuesday afternoon behind an old graveyard. All the gravestones had been secured against toppling by wooden posts and props.
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “The recent rock blasts at Berriedale Braes were considered very successful. Our contractor has confirmed that they are now able to excavate and remove the broken rock with no further blasts and very little further rock-breaking activities required."
The blasting was due to take place at 3.30pm but was delayed until 4pm, with traffic travelling from both directions being brought to a halt for around 10 minutes until the all-clear was sounded.
The first in a series of explosions blew a plume of dust about 100ft in the air and this was followed in quick succession by controlled blasts that brought down a wall of rock. A cloud of dust drifted seawards and no damage to gravestones was observed.
The spokesman added: “Over the two blasts that have taken place, 395 holes were filled with 6000 kg of explosives, releasing approximately 8000 m3 of rock."
The £9.6 million upgrade of the Berriedale Braes, being undertaken by R J McLeod, is all about modernising a notoriously difficult hairpin bend on the A9.
Kevin Knox, project manager for Transport Scotland, said: “The blasting work to remove the final seam of harder rock will see our contractor complete this phase of the work allowing them to continue the construction of the new road. This is a key construction stage to removing the hairpin bend at Berriedale Braes."
Patricia Niemann, who runs an art gallery and studio in the village, reported no adverse effects from the nearby explosions despite having fragile glass sculptures in her shop.
"I could only feel a little vibration coming up through the floor and there was no damage caused. I think the new road will be good for Caithness and improve transport through the county," she said.
The Transport Scotland spokesperson thanked the community "for their continued co-operation" while the work was carried out. The project is scheduled for completion in spring 2020.
