Kessock Bridge Resurfacing Begins on 10th February For 20 Weeks

5th February 2014

The resurfacing of Kessock Bridge, Inverness, is being carried out by Bear Scotland on behalf of Transport Scotland (the Scottish Government agency responsible for the maintenance of the A9 and Kessock Bridge). The second phase begins on Monday 10 February 2014 and continues for 20 weeks. Preparatory works are already underway by Bear Scotland.

The 2nd phase of major works to resurface the Kessock Bridge will start on 10 February 2014 and continue for 20 weeks. During this time, the bridge will be reduced from four to two-lane contraflow operation and inevitably this will result in delayed travel at the start and end of the working day. The total cost of the works is £13.2 million.

For the period of the works journey times maay increase by up to one hours so drivers should leave extra time going to Inverness from the north highlands. Avoiding rush hours in morning going in to inverness and in the evenings leaving Inverness will reduce wating time to cross the bridge.

Many bus routes (e.g. Black Isle, North Kessock, Dingwall, Maryburgh and Conon Bridge, Alness and Invergordon, Tain and Seaboard Villages and Portmahomack) will see an increased service frequency, additional journeys during peak times or minor timing revisions to assist with reliability and to provide a more consistent frequency of service.

Stagecoach say they will also endeavour to duplicate popular journeys where demand exists and will be constantly monitoring services to ensure they can accommodate as many passengers as possible. Additional carriages on peak time train services will be provided by ScotRail.

Traffic Webcams
Additional webcams have been installed to help assess live traffic conditions that may assist in selecting a journey time. This information is available on Traffic Scotland’s website at Live Traffic Cameras.

Highland Council staff
The Council has asked the 900 staff who cross the bridge daily to consider helping ease congestion on the bridge at peak times by working from home or from an office nearer to their home and making alternative travel arrangements, such as public transport or car/lift share. These links to Travel Share and Lift Share may assist commuters with travel arrangements.