New Caledonian Canal swing bridge for A82 in Inverness 'on track' for April, says Highland Council
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A KEY new canal crossing aimed at easing a notorious congestion hotspot on the A82 is on track for an April completion date, Highland Council has announced.
The new Inverness swing bridge, which is intended to operate in tandem with the existing Tomnahurich Bridge. is part of the final stage of the city’s West Link project. When finally in operation it will ensure that there is always one bridge open to road traffic at any time – in a bid to prevent big tailbacks when ships and other vessels pass along the canal.
The council said that the bridge, as well an A82 underpass for pedestrians, installation of a timber jetty, and a range of earthworks will be finished for April.
Chairwoman of the council’s economy and infrastructure committee, Cllr Trish Robertson, said: “[The link] will make a huge difference to those commuting within Inverness.
“It continues to be encouraging to see project progress being maintained despite the challenges we faced in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and the halting of construction works.”
She added: “I am sure everyone who lives in or visits Inverness will be delighted by the way this new bypass enhances the road user experience for motorists, as well as cyclists and pedestrians, when we see the work completed.”
The latest milestone will cap several years of infrastructure work on the West Link, which extended the Southern Distributor Road over the River Ness. It also involved the creation of new rugby facilities for Highland Rugby Club, and the relocation of the former Torvean Golf Club, which rebranded as the Kings Golf Club when it moved to the western side of the A82.
Residual land from the old golf course has also been repurposed for recreation, footpaths, and open green space.
