Historic Inverness city bridge facing threat of closure as repair bill soars
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Fears have been raised that decades of under investment in an iconic city bridge could see it closed permanently.
Members of Ballifeary Community Council believe the cost of fixing and upgrading the Infirmary Bridge to bring it up to modern standards may be more than £1 million.
Concerns about investment in the category B listed suspension footbridge, originally built in 1876, were raised at a recent Highland Council meeting.
In a report to councillors officers said: “Members are asked to be aware of the deterioration of the bridge and the likely costs of works to ensure its continued use.
“Currently no capital budget is allocated to this asset.
“Recent deterioration of the bridge timber decking has focused the urgent requirement to carry out minimum repairs of up to £550,000 to the bridge.
“Failure to carry out these repairs could result in the closure of the bridge in the near future on the grounds of health and safety.”
Repairs are required to replace timber deck and timber cross bracing on the bridge, improve drainage, replace all loose or sheared connections, install steel plating to strengthen connections and tackle areas of corrosion plus partial repainting to prevent further corrosion.
The report revealed a total budget of just £64,000 to maintain more than 250 bridges and culverts in the Inverness area.
David Shayer, a member of Ballifeary Community Council said: “It is ridiculous to have an iconic bridge in the centre of the city that is falling into disrepair.
“In speaking to people who have worked on similar projects the true cost of bringing the bridge up to standards will be nearer to one or two million.”
Chairwoman Helen Smith said: “We are very concerned that the repair of the bridge is not being taken seriously enough and it will be closed.
“It is important both as a city landmark and as an active travel route.”
Inverness West councillor Bill Boyd: “The work to be done is such that temporary closure will definitely be needed.
“We will also need a regular maintenance plan to ensure that the bridge remains operational and safe – at the moment there is no guarantee this is the case.”
A Highland Council spokeswoman said: “A plan is currently being developed to secure funding for the necessary repairs as the resources required are in excess of the area bridge maintenance budget.”
