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Kessock Bridge section of A9 between Inverness and Black Isle in Highlands set for up to six months of safety improvements - but start date has been delayed





Kessock Bridge.
Kessock Bridge.

A programme of improvements for the Kessock Bridge has been delayed.

Speed limits on the key stretch of the A9 connecting Inverness and the Black Isle will be reduced and overnight lane closures will feature during six months of work designed to improve the safety of the structure.

The work was set to start in October.

WATCH: New drone footage and archive pictures of Kessock Bridge, Inverness to mark its official opening 40 years ago

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A spokeswoman for BEAR Scotland, which will carry out the work on behalf of Transport Scotland, said: “We are finalising the programme so the start date has been pushed back. But we will confirm further details in the next week.”

All four of the bridge’s steel towers will be the subject of structural strengthening and new anemometers to measure wind speed and aid bridge management during stormy conditions will be put in place.

When announcing the project in September, BEAR Scotland described it as essential.

It added that due to the nature of the works, and to protect pedestrians and cyclists, one of the footway/cycle paths will be closed for the duration of the works, which are set to last up to six months.

A diversion will be in place to safely direct pedestrians and cyclists to the other footway/cycle path.

The speed limit will be reduced from 50mph to 30mph as required and intermittent overnight lane closures will be in place.

At the time, Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland’s north west representative, said: “These essential works on the Kessock Bridge will strengthen the steel structure, upgrade our wind measurement equipment and we will also take the opportunity to improve access and safety inside the towers for our teams.

“We will do everything possible to complete this essential strengthening project as quickly and safely as possible. We thank all road users and the local community for their patience in advance.

“Please plan ahead by checking the Traffic Scotland website for up to date journey information and leave some extra time to complete journeys.”


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