Caithness MSP welcomes inclusion of Naver Bridge replacement in council's capital programme
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Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP Maree Todd has welcomed the inclusion of a project to replace Naver Bridge in north-west Sutherland as part of Highland Council’s capital programme review.
Council members agreed a new five-year programme covering the period of 2024/25 to 2028/29 last week, and included a revised £11.5 million budget for the replacement of the 142-year-old bridge.
The bridge, which carries the main Tongue to Thurso A836 north coast road over the River Naver, near Bettyhill, had been due to be replaced with a new three-span bridge over a period of 22 months, at a reported cost of £8.7 million.
Ground investigation work was carried out last year and the job was due to go out to tender in March, but the project was then deferred for another year.
MSP Maree Todd had written to the local authority calling on it to proceed with the new bridge after a visit to the site in August.
She said: “I’m thrilled to learn that Highland councillors have confirmed funding for the replacement of Naver Bridge.
“I know this announcement will bring relief to the local community, where concern has been mounting over the deteriorating 142-year-old bridge for some time.
“The structure has come under increased strain in recent years due to the popularity of the NC500 route and the rise in HGVs transporting materials for various infrastructure projects, including the Sutherland Space Hub. These factors have all contributed to the bridge’s declining condition and increased the necessity and urgency of the replacement project."
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Ms Todd added: “I previously urged the Highland Council to provide clarity on the future of the replacement scheme and to engage with the local community over timescales. I welcome the inclusion of the project in the Highland Council’s Capital Investment Programme and I look forward to a further update relating to construction and timescales.”
