Surfacing works to begin on Kessock Bridge using specialist material

5th May 2014

Motorists are set to see further progress being made on the Kessock Bridge as carriageway surfacing works using a state-of-the-art material which started on Sunday 4th May 2014

The £13.2m improvement programme which is about to enter into week 13, - the first day of surfacing took place on Sunday 4th May. The second layer will be put down on Tuesday 6th May.

Following weeks of work including preparation of the steel bridge deck and applying the new waterproofing system, over 1,500 tonnes of the specialist surfacing material gussasphalt will now be laid on the southbound carriageway of the Kessock Bridge. It is the first structure to have used it in Scotland.

The special road surfacing material is very flexible and durable which means a longer service life, and is an advancement on the material originally laid on the bridge in 1982.

Calum Galloway, Bridges Manager for BEAR Scotland’s North West Unit, said: “A major benefit of this material on the bridge is that it can be laid in a continuous operation over the width of the carriageway without the need for joints and has increased durability. Other benefits include minimal future interventions for repairs, early skid resistance, and a smoother and more durable ride quality for the travelling public.”

The bridge, managed by BEAR Scotland, saw the refurbishment works to the southbound section of the 1052m-long structure start in February and has made good progress over the last 12 weeks of the improvement programme.

Calum Galloway added: “The machine used to lay the gussasphalt is quite unusual and we are aware that during the surfacing operations on Sunday and Tuesday motorists may slow down to look. In order to avoid extended delays over the bridge, we urge road users to drive safely and to pay attention to the traffic conditions to help maintain a steady flow of traffic through the works.

“This is a complex job but the contractor Balfour Beatty Construction is working hard to ensure that works remain on schedule and that the bridge will be fully re-open as planned ahead of the peak tourist season.”

A reduced speed limit of 30mph and contraflow on the northbound carriageway will remain in place to keep both road users and workers safe. This could lead to delays, and motorists will be encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel into the city centre and to consider using public transport, car sharing, cycling or walking, where possible. Extra capacity on public transport, as well as additional parking at Ross County Stadium in Dingwall and Beauly train station, remains in place.

Motorists driving in and around Inverness can access up to the minute journey time information at www.trafficscotland.org. Further journey planning information is also available on Twitter and via the Travelline Scotland/Transport Scotland travel app.