New West Link Road, Inverness Opens To Traffic Today

11th December 2017

THE West Link distributor road will be fully open to traffic from noon on Monday 11th December 2017.

The completion of the first phase of Inverness's West Link road will be marked by an opening ceremony at 09:30am, followed by the road, which links the A82 to Dores Road, being fully opened to traffic at noon.

The ceremony will be carried out by Provost of Inverness Helen Carmichael and senior members, assisted by pupils from two local schools, Holm Primary and Kinmylies Primary, who will join councillors and guests on the first official convoy to drive on the new West Link road and over the new bridge, named The Holm Mills Bridge by public vote.

The route will be open to pedestrians from 9am on the 11th for those wishing to watch the convoy.

Sunday’s "Jingle Jog" will allow around 500 runners and 100 Rugby Club “minis” and “micros” onto the new section of road on Sunday 10 December, before it is opened to traffic the following day. The charity fun run is being organised by High Life Highland assisted by the Rotary Club in aid of the MFR Cash for Kids charity.

It is hoped that, despite the severe wintry weather, the road will be cleared and ready for the Jingle Jog on Sunday. Safety is however paramount and participants are advised to listen to MFR and check their website on Sunday morning in case of any change to plans affected by the weather.

Chair of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee Councillor Allan Henderson said: “The completion of this stretch of road marks the first phase of this important project, aimed at reducing congestion in the city centre, connecting communities and improving travel links around the Highland capital, for commuters, cyclists and walkers.

“The road has been eagerly anticipated and we expect that many people will want to try out the new route. The Council will be closely monitoring the variations in traffic following the opening of the road and expect considerably reduced congestion in the city centre.”

He continued: “The West Link will deliver a greatly improved infrastructure to support the future development, growth and prosperity of Inverness and the Highlands. The investment will bring nearly £4 of benefit to every £1 of public money spent on the project.”

https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/1523/transport_and_streets/128/the_inverness_west_link

The £55 million West Link project forms part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region deal which is a joint initiative supported by up to £315 million investment from the UK and Scottish governments, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and the University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.