Scottish Water strikes sewer note as repairs on 100-year-old underground pipes Inverness city centre set to run 4 months over schedule
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A sewer repair disrupting traffic near the centre of Inverness is set to take far longer than first planned.
Instead of finishing in May, the Scottish Water project to replace a 100-year old pipe on Duncraig Street, King Street and Greig Street - which began in March - will now run through to September.
The move is sure to cause concern for businesses.
When the Courier spoke to Greig Street traders a month ago as the work moved onto their street, most were unconcerned by the disruption so long as it was wrapped up well before the summer visitor season’s peak.
PREVIOUS STORY: Sewer point? Inverness businesses braced for disruption with Greig Street set to close for a month
Scottish Water’s announcement would mean part and full closure of streets continuing into the autumn.
The company says the delay is to allow work to be carried out on a further section of the pipe due to its poor condition.
The initial phase of the project, which took place in Duncraig Street and is now complete, uncovered further issues with the sewer on King Street between the junction of Duncraig Street and Greig Street.
There were also fresh issues uncovered on Greig Street between King Street and Huntly Street.
Work is currently underway to replace the sewer on the King Street section, while further investigations are required to confirm the extent of repairs needed to the Greig Street sewer.
Scottish Water confirmed traffic management arrangements will remain in place on each of the three streets for the duration of the project, including road closures on King Street and Greig Street.
Project manager Tom Hannan said: “As the project progressed, it became clear that parts of the sewer in both King Street and Greig Street were also in poor condition.
“We understand that it is frustrating for residents and businesses in the area that work has now been extended, but it is essential that we replace the sewer to ensure that it can continue to operate effectively.
“Alongside our contracting partner MacAulay Askernish, we are working as quickly and safely as possible to deliver the repairs that are needed in these locations and would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
“We recognise that the work we are doing is disruptive to the local road network, as well as to residents and local businesses.
“Signage advertising that businesses are still open and operating is already in place and we are giving careful consideration to what further measures we can take to mitigate the impact of the work, as well as ensuring that we continue to communicate with those affected.
“A drop-in information session is in the process of being organised to allow residents to meet with the project team and discuss any queries or concerns they might have about the work.”
