Highland Council says West Link Project is completed as Torvean Swing Bridge is set to open
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Highland Council and contractors RJ McLeod say the new Torvean Swing Bridge will open to traffic on Thursday afternoon.
The bridge has been opened as part of the commissioning process over the last few weeks to allow for systems to be fine tuned and painting work under and on the bridge to be carried out as well as training of the Scottish Canals staff on the use of the new bridge.
From tomorrow afternoon it will be fully operation and will work
This bridge will operate in tandem with the existing Tomnahurich swing bridge to allow for the free flow of vehicle traffic on the A82 to continue, while boats pass through one or other of the bridges.
Operation of the bridges will be managed from a new control building located on the canal side between the two bridges.
There will normally be two routes available for vehicles to cross the canal and vehicles will be diverted over one or other bridge, only while the other is open to allow boat passage.
There will still be ongoing landscaping and siteworks for the next couple of weeks as the area is cleared of the site compound and offices.
Chairwoman of the council's economy and infrastructure committee, Councillor Trish Robertson, said: “The new swing bridge, along with the wider West Link infrastructure improvements, is a game changer for commuters and visitors to the city.
"The bridge will play an important role in reducing traffic delays and waiting times as the Caledonian Canal waterway continues to become more and more popular. We now have uninterrupted flow of traffic across the canal which will be a welcome improvement for all who use the A82.
“Despite the halt in works caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns the last piece of the West Link jigsaw is now fully operational.
"I am delighted we have been able to deliver this key element with such minimal delay and on budget.
"I would like to thank all our staff and contractors involved for their hard work and commitment to keeping this important project on track.
"I have found it very interesting to watch the various stages of the works progress so to have the swing bridge fully in use is excellent news.”
Council leader Margaret Davidson said: “I am sure everyone who lives in or visits Inverness will be delighted with the way the West Link project enhances the travelling experience for motorists, as well as cyclists and pedestrians.
"In addressing the alleviation of traffic congestion, it has opened up new walking, cycling and leisure facilities for everyone to enjoy including a new canal-side public park area with a dedicated 5km parkrun route that I am sure will prove to be very popular.
“The benefit to cost ratio of the West Link project is 3.86, which represents nearly £4 of benefit to every £1 of public investment. It is a win/win situation. The relocation of the golf club has released much-needed land for housing and commercial development which will play a part in regenerating this scenic area of the city.
“West Link has opened up new opportunities for local residents, businesses and visitors to the city of Inverness. It reflects our aspirations and confirms our commitment to creating active travel routes and creating more sites for commercial use and housing where it is needed.
“The whole project has been a huge achievement and everyone involved should feel very proud of their work.”
