Inverness’s Storm Floris-damaged Infirmary Bridge could reopen ‘by early September’, Highland Council has revealed
The Infirmary Bridge in Inverness could reopen to the public “by early September” if repairs go as planned.
The tentative reopening date was confirmed by Highland Council this morning following an update to councillors on the economy and infrastructure committee.
The statement, which has also been sent to the Courier, revealed that the damage to the bridge was caused by Storm Floris - which wrought havoc across the region early this month and left more than 40,000 Scottish homes without power.
The popular pedestrian suspension bridge was subsequently closed on August 7 after a hanger which connects to the bridge deck was found to have sheared. Follow-up inspections discovered a number of other incidences of similar defects.
In Thursday’s update, the council said: “Due to storm damage repairs are required to replace several turnbuckles on the main hangers.
“We have appointed a specialist contractor. If the repairs go as planned, we hope to re-open the bridge by early September.
“However, there is a risk of delay if we encounter difficulties, such as attaching the new turnbuckles to the old fittings, or the need to replace hangers.
“In the meantime, the bridge will remain closed to all users on safety grounds.”