A BUSY road bridge in the Highlands could face traffic delays for up to 10 weeks as improvement works get underway.
Ness Bridge, which connects Bridge Street and Tomnahurich Street in Inverness, is set to undergo almost £2 million in repairs after being identified as a high priority area by Highland Council in 2024.
The council said traffic management, including lane closures, would be necessary whilst the works take place. The road is set to be resurfaced as part of the repairs, which also include weatherproofing measures.
Though currently in the design phase, it has been confirmed that the repairs would be taking place either next year or in 2027 and could take up to 10 weeks, as reported by The Inverness Courier.
A council spokesperson told the newspaper that a report, submitted to the environment and infrastructure committee last November, found “Ness Bridge fifth in the scoring index in the major bridges’ appendix”.
“When the project is ready it will become the next ‘named’ capital bridge and will proceed to construction, which could be in 2026 or 2027”, they continued.
“Further assessment of the bridge is currently underway to determine what other maintenance work is required. The current estimated timescale for the work is 10 weeks.
“Work will include full re-waterproofing and resurfacing of the bridge deck, which will require traffic management including a lane closure.
“Further assessment of the bridge is currently underway to determine what other maintenance work is required. The current estimated timescale for the work is 10 weeks.”
Ness Bridge first opened for traffic in August of 1961 and is used by motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
It arches over the River Ness and connects Inverness city centre to the west of the city, acting as a key route for commuters.
