Kessock Bridge works travel delays
Maintenance work is to be carried out on the Kessock Bridge.
BUS services to Inverness from the Far North are likely to be disrupted during essential maintenance work.
It was announced this that week structural work needs to be carried out at the Kessock Bridge on the A9.
The work involves major repairs to the north expansion joint on both carriageways of the bridge.
Remedial works to the bridge deck surfacing are also required to be carried out. The work will begin on Sunday, June 19, and last around eight days.
Meanwhile, bosses at Stagecoach, which provides bus services across the Highlands, have said they expect the repairs will cause delays.
Spokeswoman Sarah Anderson said the company believes disruption will be inevitable.
She said it is in talks with Highland Council officials on how to keep services running as smoothly as possible while repairs are being carried out.
“The company have only just received notification of these works,” she said. “We will fully evaluate the options available to us while repairs are being carried out to the Kessock Bridge. During the period of works, we will be doing everything we can to ensure we continue to operate regular and reliable bus services as much as possible in order to minimise the disruption to our customers.”
Towards the end of last week engineers from Scotland TranServ reported deterioration of the support structure of the north expansion joint. However, it has reassured motorists the bridge is still safe to use.
While work is being carried out, a contraflow system will be put in place and the speed limit will be reduced to 30 mph.
Scotland TranServ says during peak times significant traffic delays are anticipated. Both lanes of the northbound carriageway will be closed for the first three days to allow that section of the expansion joint to be dismantled and reassembled.
Both lanes of the southbound carriageway will be closed from Wednesday, June 22, until Sunday, June 26, to similarly attend to that section of the southbound joint.
A spokesperson for the Highland Council said in order to reduce the impact of the works it is essential the number of vehicles using the route is cut substantially.
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Transport Scotland is encouraging all communities and businesses throughout the North to consider car sharing, using public transport, home working and, where practicable, staggered working hours.
It also advises motorists to allow extra time for journeys and pay attention to any advisory signs which will be in place throughout the works.