Second Inverness swing bridge nears completion

STAGE two of the Inverness west link project is on track for completion in early April, The Highland Council has said.

The project, led by RJ McLeod, brings a second swing bridge over the Caledonian Canal which the local authority said will allow for the free flow of vehicle traffic on the A82, whilst also allowing boats to pass through one or the other of the bridges.

The work has already seen the completion of a number of core elements including the A82 pedestrian underpass; earthworks; drainage and services; installation of a timber jetty and concrete works.

The council added that residual land from a former golf course on the site will be repurposed and will shortly provide additional amenity areas through the inclusion of footpaths, landscaping around ponds and open green space.

Chair of the economy and infrastructure committee at The Highland Council, councillor Trish Robertson, said, “I am delighted to see the final elements of stage two of the west link project coming together, which will make a huge difference to those commuting within Inverness.

“It continues to be encouraging to see project progress being maintained despite the challenges we faced in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and the halting of construction works.

“I am sure everyone who lives in or visits Inverness will be delighted by the way this new bypass enhances the road user experience for motorists, as well as cyclists and pedestrians, when we see the work completed in April.”