Torvean Swing Bridge over Caledonian Canal in Inverness breaks down... again
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A notorious swing bridge which has broken down repeatedly in the couple of years since it first opened... appears to have broken down yet again.
Tailbacks were seen forming at times on the A82 in the south of Inverness on Friday after the Torvean Swing Bridge was once again shut to traffic – leaving the busy trunk road reliant on the Tomnahurich Bridge crossing over the Caledonian Canal.
The breakdown comes less than a fortnight since the last reported issues with the crossing on August 14, when local councillor Duncan Macpherson took to social media to highlight that the bridge had once again been left in its "fixed open position to canal users" and "has been all weekend".
Indeed, the bridge has been plagued by repeated closures ever since it first opened, with "snagging issues" during its construction also delaying its initial planned opening date.
In June last year the repeated disruption – which had seen the crossing shut to traffic five times in a single 12-month period, some of which lasted for weeks – sparked discussions from concerned councillors in the city.
These faults were caused by a range of factors, ranging from technical and sensor issues to storm-damaged barriers, and failures of hydraulic pump controls.
It is not known what caused the latest issue on Friday.
A spokesperson for Highland Council said: “Unfortunately there is a mechanical issue affecting the Torvean Swing Bridge that the council is working to rectify.
"Operations will be affected over the weekend, and we apologise for the inconvenience caused and ask for patience whilst we identify a fix.”
Scottish Canals was also approached for comment.
