A SPEED restriction and lane closures will be in place while “essential” safety work is carried out on a bridge in Inverness.
Safety improvements are to be carried out on Kessock Bridge, which links the Highland city and the Black Isle on the A9 for up to six months, it has been announced.
The work on the bridge is due to commence next month with speed limit restrictions and overnight lane closures due to be introduced.
All four of the bridge’s steel towers will be the subject of structural strengthening with new anemometers, to measure wind speed and to help with bridge management during stormy conditions.
BEAR Scotland is to carry out the essential work on behalf of Transport Scotland.
One of the foot and cycle paths is due to be closed for the entirety of the six months due to concerns over the safety of pedestrians.
BEAR Scotland confirmed there will be a diversion in place for foot or cycle traffic during the lane closure period.
The speed limit will be reduced from 50mph to 30mph with intermittent lane closures throughout the improvement work.
The road maintenance and management firm have warned motorists to leave some extra time to complete their journeys when the restrictions come into force.
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.”
