Opening of Raigmore Hospital's new bus access system is running late
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Completion of the £2.71 million electronic bus and ambulance gate in and out of Raigmore Hospital has hit a snag.
It had been hoped the system would be opened before the end of 2023, but now no finish date is available other than "early" in this month.
NHS Highland, who were granted planning permission for the gate, referred queries to Highland Council where a spokeswoman said: "Supply chain issues have delayed opening to the early part of 2024."
Stagecoach North of Scotland have been asked for their take on the situation.
Construction of the route started in May and came after a 12-year wait, with plans dating back to 2011.
The satellite-controlled bus gate route will give buses a new access to and from Raigmore Hospital through Raigmore housing state to destinations east and west including the city centre.
A barrier system, which can only be operated by buses and emergency services vehicles, will prevent the link being used as a rat run through the hospital grounds by other motorists who will continue to use the Old Perth Road entry.
The all-electric buses will also be able to control traffic lights in and out of the estate using Millburn Road using a GPS signal to the lights.
At the bottom of King Duncan's Road, traffic light priority will be added at the exit to allow the buses to get out onto Millburn Road.
If these lights detect the service is running late or getting delayed at the junction, it will send a red signal to the traffic coming from Raigmore Interchange.
The route will be used by Services 2 and 3, which combined will offer a service every 15 minutes during the day and hourly in the evenings and Sundays.
Service 2 will serve Ashton Road loop, while Service 3 will serve Ashton Crescent.
Service 8 will be withdrawn once the gate opens and Services 2 and 3 start to operate through the estate.
