Shetland set to back £1.5bn plan to connect islands with undersea tunnels
Undersea tunnels connecting some of the UK's most northerly islands could be in place within eight years, under plans expected to be approved on Tuesday
Undersea tunnels connecting some of the UK's most northerly islands could be in place within eight years, under plans expected to be approved on Tuesday. A feasibility study for Shetland Islands Council proposes replacing ageing ferries with tunnels from Shetland's mainland to Yell and from Yell to Unst, describing them as "economically transformative".
Two more tunnels, to the islands of Whalsay and Bressay, could follow under the plans, which are estimated to cost £1.5bn. Council leaders say the
tunnels would be cheaper than building new ferries and replacing harbours. The council is expected to explore funding from a mixture of private investment, public
subsidy and borrowing, along with tolls covering maintenance costs.
The BriefWire