Major work planned for busy Inverness road bridge

Ness Bridge provides a crossing for vehicles over the River Ness in the heart of the city centre

Almost £2m of improvements planned for a busy road bridge in Inverness could see traffic disruption in the city centre for 10 weeks.

Ness Bridge, which links Bridge Street with Tomnahurich Street over the River Ness, was identified as a high priority for repairs by Highland Council last year.

The local authority said traffic management, including a lane closure, would be required for the revamp, which includes resurfacing.

A spokesperson said the project was in the design phase, with construction to start next year or in 2027.

The bridge was first opened to traffic in August 1961 and the crossing is used by vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.

The potential for disruption during the roadwork was first reported by The Inverness Courier.

Highland Council said the current estimated cost of the revamp was £1.8m.

The spokesperson said: "Work will include full re-waterproofing and resurfacing of the bridge deck, which will require traffic management including a lane closure.

"Further assessment of the bridge is currently underway to determine what other maintenance work is required.

"The current estimated timescale for the work is 10 weeks."

Councillors are to be updated on the project next month.