“SIGNIFICANT progress” has been made across the breakwater system at Oban’s North Pier pontoons, council officials have reported.
A document sent to councillors by Argyll and Bute Council’s roads and infrastructure services department says that all units have now been relocated at the pier.
Part of the works failed during a recent spell of high wind, but was repaired the following day, with measures taken to prevent a repeat.
The report said: “Over the last two weeks, significant progress has been made across the breakwater system as we continue working toward re-opening.
“All units have now been relocated, including the most damaged units, which have been moved to the outermost sections of the breakwater. The damaged unit has been temporarily secured in position using strops and lever hoists.
“While this unit will still operate as a breakwater, it will not be available for berthing this season and remains scheduled for full replacement over the coming winter, as previously advised.
“Unfortunately, on Sunday, March 29, one of the aluminium cleats being used to support the temporary strops failed during a period of high wind and swell.
“This was repaired on Monday, March 30, and the unit has now been brought back into alignment with additional fixings in place. To prevent similar issues, all aluminium cleats involved in maintaining this connection will be replaced with stronger stainless-steel rings.
“The final bridge was also dropped back into place at the end of last week, which was very welcome news for the harbour team. However, this section still requires new decking, so it will remain closed until the replacement decking is received and installed.
“With diving operations now complete, the harbourmaster was able to reopen the finger berths from the evening of March 31.
“We also hope to reopen Breakwater 1 before the end of this week, albeit with some restrictions. This will be confirmed via a notice to mariners, so please keep an eye out for updates.”
The report added: “Work is still ongoing on the topside of Breakwaters 2 and 3, as well as the bridge section mentioned above. These areas will be reopened in a phased manner.
“As noted previously, some minor restrictions on parts of the breakwater are likely to remain in place, and these will continue to be communicated through notices to mariners.
“We continue to thank everyone for their patience and support as we complete these final stages and move toward fully reopening the facility.”
