Inverness facing eight weeks traffic disruption for work on Ness Bridge
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EIGHT weeks of traffic disruption in Inverness city centre is likely Highland Council has warned after announcing that vital inspection work is needed on the Ness Bridge.
The Highland Council is planning to carry out structural investigation roadworks on the busy crossing just as the busy tourist season is getting under way.
The work is planned to start on Monday, April 17, and should be complete within eight weeks, by Friday June 9, or earlier.
The council pledged, however that all roadworks will be removed from the bridge to allow for the Etape Loch Ness cycle event on Sunday April 23 and the Cancer UK Race for Life event on Sunday May 28.
The contract to carry out the intrusive structural investigation of the post-tensioning reinforcement in the bridge has been awarded to CRL Surveys Ltd.
The work will include trial holes above and below the bridge deck, with material sampling and testing.
During the investigation, road works will be deployed on the bridge comprising lane closures and footway closures.
"At least one footway and one traffic lane in each direction is to remain open at all times, but some delay and disruption will be unavoidable," saiud a council spokesperson.
There will also be restrictions to prevent long vehicles and buses from turning right or left at the junctions at the ends of the bridge, and some disruption to local parking bays by the Cathedral on Ardross Street.
In order to reduce the impact at peak times, the contractor is being permitted to work at night, provided that noise is kept below pre-agreed levels.
Ness Bridge carries the B861 over the River Ness, below Ness Castle.
