Ness Bridge work sparks fears Inverness faces gridlock for months affecting thousands daily Highland Council decision expected next month on major resurfacing job
MAJOR works planned for a key city centre route could have a significant impact for commuters over an extended period.
Highland Council currently expects resurfacing and weather-proofing works on Ness Bridge to take at least 10 weeks.
Lane closure for that length of time is mentioned by the council in outlining the work needed, though it is unclear whether this would be only a single lane closure over the whole period of the works or if different lanes would be closed on a rolling basis.
The bridge connects the city centre with the west of the city and routes onward towards Loch Ness and via the West Link to the A9.
Large volumes of vehicle, cycle and foot traffic going to and from the city centre from Castle Road, Bridge Street, Bank Street and Tomnahurich Street use the bridge and any disruption is likely to have an impact on other routes nearby, not least of which is the A82, affecting communities in Dalneigh and Ballifeary on one side of the river and Crown on the other.
In January of this year faulty traffic lights in the vicinity had an impact well beyond the bridge itself.
As things stand the planned major works are expected to take place next year, or possibly 2027.
A council spokesman explained that: “A report to the Environment and Infrastructure committee in November 2024 ranked Ness Bridge fifth in the scoring index in the major bridges’ appendix. The cost estimate at that time was £1.8 million.
“The works contract is in the design phase . When the project is ready it will become the next ‘named’ capital bridge and will proceed to construction, which could be in 2026 or 2027.
“Further assessment of the bridge is currently underway to determine what other maintenance work is required. The current estimated timescale for the work is 10 weeks.
“Work will include full re-waterproofing and resurfacing of the bridge deck, which will require traffic management including a lane closure.
“Further assessment of the bridge is currently underway to determine what other maintenance work is required. The current estimated timescale for the work is 10 weeks.
“This position will be updated in November’s report to committee.”
The sudden revelation has prompted political criticism of the council administration as it will only come to committee in November despite issues being known since 2023.
LibDem group leader, Councillor Alasdair Christie, who represents Inverness Ness-side, which could feel the effects of the works was not happy.
“The revelation that the main bridge in the centre of Inverness is to have a lane closed for nearly three months is going to be extremely challenging and disruptive for the city,” he said. “This will impact thousands of residents as well as businesses too.
“The lack of public awareness and lack of scrutiny allowed on this by the SNP administration is deplorable but not unexpected considering the issues with the A9 dualling.
“In November 2024, the bridge was identified as needing maintenance but at no time was it stated that it would necessitate such a dreadful impact on the city. The leadership of the council needs to be totally transparent about these works and be clear on any safety risks involved.
“So far this openness and transparency is totally absent and I would hope that a special meeting of the committee can be held quickly to ensure everyone knows what is happening.”
The council administration was approached for comment.