Plans for a new swing bridge at Tomnahurich have been revealed to help reduce congestion in the city.
The Caledonian Canal crossing is in line to work in tandem with the existing Tomnahurich crossing to create an alternative route for motorists of the A82.
The designs lodged to the Highland Council are part of the second stage of works for the West Link Phase two development; geared to create the “gateway to the Highlands”.
Colin Howell, Highland Council’s Head of Infrastructure, said: “The West Link stage two is all geared up to provide the second swing bridge that runs parallel to Tomnahurich Bridge.
“It’s all part of the longer term vision for Inverness. Stage two, it allows for housing development to happen and relieves congestion, with alternative routes for vehicles coming in. It means we will always have a road available to use with the A82 so as boats transfer through, there will be no further closures.
“There will be two swing bridges, one central control tower to operate both and we will have variable message signs which will tell travelling public which bridge is available for them to use and hopefully that will be seamless.”
If approved, works are expected to commence by June followed by a series of extended closures during the winter months; to enable the canal to be damned prior to construction.
Construction is expected to be complete and fully operational by December 2020.
Depute Provost of Inverness Bet McAllister said she hopes residents will still be able to enjoy the environment once the bridge is complete.
She said: “When they are doing all this, I hope they leave some open green space for people to be able to walk their dogs and somewhere for children to go out and about. I think it will be good as long as they do what they did the last time.
“I had had no emails or phone calls against this so I think everyone is just waiting to see it finished. It’s very busy up there but we do want people to enjoy it; I take my grandchildren up that way when I have them.
“If the bridge ever does need repaired or upgraded for any reason, they can close it off and traffic can still use the other bridge which I think is a great idea.”
