New date confirmed for Whin footbridge works

Monday 13 August is the revised date for repair works to start on the Whin footbridge in Inverness.

This new date takes into account the planned events taking place in the city between now and then and future events due to take place later in the year, such as the Loch Ness Marathon. The delay also provides for unrestricted access through more of the School Holiday period.

Although the Whin footbridge will be closed for up to 6 weeks to allow contractors to make essential repairs the council is stressing that the popular Ness Islands will remain accessible throughout the work from the Island Bank Road side of the river. Walkers and cyclists will also be able to use the Infirmary Bridge to cross the river and these diversion routes will be clearly sign-posted.

City Manager David Haas said: “The Council apologises for any inconvenience that the necessary works will cause but the timing of the refurbishment in the summer months provides the best weather conditions to get the work done safely with lower river levels within a 6 week timescale.”

Brandon Landscaping will be carrying out the works on behalf of The Highland Council for The Inverness Common Good Fund which owns the bridge. The refurbishment works include engineering, stonework and decking repairs and painting of the bridge structure and are part of an overall programme of works at the Islands repairing erosion, paths, bridges and tree works. All works are due to be completed by the time the Whin footbridge reopens in September.