Concerns as Tomahurich Bridge set to close for repairs amidst Torvean Swing Bridge troubles
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Concerns have been raised after it was revealed that one of the two swing bridges over the Caledonian Canal is to close for three weeks next month – days after its newer companion crossing was closed yet again due to technical issues.
A faulty sensor was blamed for the two-day closure of the Torvean Swing Bridge – created as part of the city’s West Link – this week, just the latest in a series of issues since it opened in 2021.
Now BEAR Scotland has said it will become the only crossing in the area for most of May as near neighbour the Tomnahurich Bridge is closed for maintenance.
Inverness West councillor Alex Graham is “seriously concerned” about the continuing problems at the swing bridges.
He said: “I have asked the council to confirm that a bridge closure at Tomnahurich Swing Bridge is planned from May 13 for three weeks, and also for confirmation that all repairs are being carried out with the maximum speed possible.
“This leaves crossing the Caledonian Canal at that end dependent on the Torvean Swing Bridge, which has had numerous problems since its installation.
“The bridges at Tomnahurich and Torvean are used by many thousands of drivers each day, however, local residents in the Kinmylies and Scorguie areas are particularly affected.
“They rely heavily on this route for travel to the city centre, as well to destinations such as Tesco Ness-side, Asda, Gaelic School, and Raigmore Hospital. It is vital they have reliable access to the rest of the city.”
The Torvean Bridge and Tomnahurich Bridge are meant to work in tandem, so that when one is closed the other is still available, preventing the massive tailbacks that plagued the A82 Inverness to Loch Ness trunk road for decades.
After Inverness South councillor Duncan Macpherson flagged up the latest closure of the Torvean crossing on social media members of the public were quick to make their feelings known.
Martin Christie wrote simply: “What an absolute waste of money.”
Alasdair MacNèill said: “Was absolute carnage earlier today when the only bridge was opened for a boat. Massive queues in every direction.”
On Highland Council’s social media post about the closure Robbie Mackenzie said: “The bridge that never works. If I had a pound for every time that bridge was shut I would be able to build a fully working one!”
However, a business body in the area says the bridge has not caused any complaints with the organisations it represents.
Don Johnstone, chief executive of Visit Inverness Loch Ness, said: "Whilst the Tomnahurich Bridge being closed for three weeks for repairs isn’t ideal, the twin bridge set-up does mean that disruption for road users will be kept to a minimum.
“People will still be able to get clear access to and from Inverness on the A82, with only the occasional short delay for some users resulting from boat traffic on the Caledonian Canal. Closure of the bridge will not be something that detracts from visitors' ability to get around and enjoy everything that is on offer in the area.”
Alison Daun, managing director at Loch Ness by Jacobite added: “Having the two bridge set-up has meant that road users have still been able to move to and from Inverness and Loch Ness on the A82, even during the recent issues with Torvean Swing Bridge.
“With the upcoming repairs planned for Tomnahurich Bridge, we are hopeful that this will still be the case and our customers and staff will not be impacted.
“Hopefully the repair works go smoothly and the system will be operating as intended for the peak of the summer season.”
Highland Council commented: “We will advise BEAR on the current problem with the bridge so they can prepare contingency plans should Torvean Bridge fail during their works.”
And a spokesperson for BEAR Scotland said: “We understand the importance of reliable bridge access in Inverness, especially after recent concerns.
“To minimise noise and disruption, we're planning night works on Tomnahurich Swing Bridge while using Torvean Swing Bridge as a detour day and night during the project. We are currently finalising robust contingency plans for any unforeseen closures on Torvean.”
