Public invited to January information events on proposed A832 road works

SSEN Transmission colleague at public engagement event

Image: SSEN Transmission colleague at a public information event.

SSEN Transmission will hold two events in January where we will share more information on our revised plans for proposed road works on the A832 as part of the installation of the Western Isles HVDC cable.

The events come as a single-lane closure on sections of the route south of Dundonnell to Fain Bridge is confirmed to begin on Monday, 19 January. The information events will enable members of the public to meet with the project team and find out more about plans for early enabling works and associated traffic management required as part of the project.

Events will be held on the following dates:

  • Wednesday 7 January, 6 – 8pm, Aultbea Hall, Aultbea, Achnasheen, IV22 2JR
  • Thursday, 8 January, 6 – 8 pm, Badcaul Church, Dundonnell, IV23 2QY

Initial plans for the roadworks had involved the closure of a 4.7km section of the route during scheduled work days, with daily access periods in place. However, these plans were revised following community feedback.

Under new proposals which are expected to last for a period of 18 months, we, along with our contractors will: 

  • From 19 January, operate a single-lane closure on short sections of the road to allow for the replacement or upgrading of culverts along the cable route together with associated tree felling works. The closure will operate under a convoy system with manned traffic lights during the daytime, with only traffic lights in operation overnight. The affected distance will be approximately 500 metres at a time. 
  • Operate a full night-time closure for several weeks in summer 2026, to allow works to be completed safely as there is no available space for a bypass to be constructed in the delivery without a full closure. During this period, the previously proposed diversion via Gairloch will be in place. Details of the closure will be confirmed next year. 

Niall Macleod, Project Director for SSEN Transmission, said:  

“We’d like to thank all those who kindly took the time to provide feedback to our initial proposals, which we have responded to with revised plans that will allow us to deliver this essential work safely while minimising impacts on the local community and other road users.  

Following our last round of information events in October we’re pleased to be holding these additional events, that will share more detailed information on the early enabling works and associated traffic management required as part of the project as we prepare for the single-lane closure beginning on Monday, 19 January.

We remain fully committed to ongoing engagement with road users, local communities and stakeholders, and we look forward to welcoming people to our events taking place on 7 and 8 January.”