A 3D survey is to be carried out on the first Churchill Barrier causeway in the Orkney Islands.

The survey will generate a clearer picture of the current condition of the surface of the road on the First Barrier.

Once completed, options will be drawn up on how to address the deterioration the inspection has detected.

The four Churchill Barriers were built in the 1940s, primarily as naval defences to protect the anchorage at Scapa Flow. However, they now serve as road links, carrying the A961 road from Kirkwall to Burwick.

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Darren Richardson, Head of Infrastructure, explained: "We carry out regular road surface condition inspections every three months as part of the Council's roads management maintenance plan.

"For some time, we have been planning a specialised survey of the First Barrier, which will produce a detailed 3D picture of the road surface. This is due to be carried out later this month.

"In preparation for the 3D survey, we recently undertook an additional and detailed visual inspection. From this we could see that there has been a progressive and recent deterioration of the road surface on part of the barrier. The level of deterioration is such that we need to ask drivers to take greater care when crossing the causeway."

Ahead of the survey, a temporary speed limit of 40mph will be in place on the First Barrier. Further information will be provided by the council before work gets underway.

(LM/JP)