Weeks-long closure of busy Inverness bridge gets under way as inspection begins
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ROADWORKS have begun on a busy bridge in the heart of Inverness.
Contractors moved onto Ness Bridge shortly before 8am on Monday to carry out a structural investigation of the bridge’s condition.
Work is expected to last six weeks, with the bridge restricted to one-way traffic while the contractors are on site. The bridge is currently shut to eastbound traffic, although the lane closure will switch to the westward lane and then back again during the work.
The eastbound lane us expected to be closed until April 22, reopening between April 23 and May 16 before closing again from May 17 to May 26.
Related: REMINDER: Restrictions on busy Inverness bridge start tomorrow during structural probe
Between April 23 and May 16, the westbound lane will be closed.
A Highland Council spokesman said: “Bus routes that use the Ness Bridge may be affected. Passengers should check with their bus operator.”
Works will stop to allow the Etape Loch Ness cycling event to pass through on April 23 and the Race for Life fundraising running event for Cancer Research UK on May 14, with disruption to traffic expected on these days.
The council spokesman added: “The public should be reassured that the bridge is safe to use, and the investigation is required because the bridge contains post-tensioning.
“[This] can contain hidden defects that can only be detected by intrusive investigation. Carrying out an investigation is considered good practice.”
