Drivers warned of Inverness city centre disruption during major gas mains replacement work
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A major gas mains replacement project is set to cause several months of disruption for drivers and pedestrians in Inverness city centre.
SGN Gas says the work, costing almost £60,000 and carried out in two phases, is aimed at ensuring local residents continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come.
Crown Road, Eastgate and the High Street will be affected between July 31 and October 27, with Highland Council set to publish relevant traffic orders as they are finalised.
SGN engineers will replace just over 260 metres of old, metallic gas main with new polyethylene PE pipe.
The work is likely to be carried out using the open cut trench method which involves excavating to expose the existing pipe so that it can be replaced.
An SGN spokesman said: “To minimise disruption, we’re working closely with Highland Council to plan any necessary traffic management.
Phase 1, for approximately four weeks from July 31, will begin on a section uphill of the Eastgate Centre car park entrance, reaching the roundabout at Crown Road, Crown Circus and Crown Drive.
Two-way lights will be in place initially, then three-way, as work approaches the roundabout. The bus stop will be closed on Crown Road, while exit from the car park onto Crown Road will be left turn only.
For phase 2, work will stretch downhill from the Eastgate Centre car park entrance across to roughly number 40 Eastgate, in the pedestrianised area.
That work is likely to start at the beginning of September, but may be brought forward or delayed a week depending on how the first phase progresses.
Two-way lights will be in operation during this phase along with a three to four day road closure in September with a diversion route in place.
The pedestrian crossing will be closed and pedestrians will be diverted to a crossing closer to Millburn Road.
Traffic will be able to exit the car park onto Crown Road as normal, left or right, apart from when the road closure is in place.
On those days it will be left turn only on exit.
An SGN spokesman said: “We wish to assure you that our work will progress as quickly as possible and we’ll be doing everything we can to limit delays and disruption and to ensure the project remains on schedule, working extended hours or at weekends as required.
“Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles and we’ll ensure that temporary traffic lights will be monitored for the first few days and timings adjusted to minimise delays as much as possible.”
A Highland Council spokeswoman said: “Highland Council is working with SGN to ensure that their works are carried out with the minimum of disruption.”
