Paving the way for Change at Inverness Riverside

A new measure to improve traffic movement in Inverness city centre and pave the way for an attractive riverside feature is being introduced from Monday 21 May.

Ness Walk, which runs parallel with River Ness on the north side of the river, will become a one way road, with traffic permitted to travel only in the direction from Ardross Street towards Ness Bridge. 

Cyclists will, however, be exempt from this restriction and so will still be able to cycle along Ness Walk in both directions with the introduction of a marked cycle lane. 

This change to the traffic flow is being made to reduce the amount of traffic using Ness Walk. It will be followed next year by the removal of on-street parking and the reconstruction of the road and footways, as part of the £6 million Inverness Streetscape Programme, to create an attractive riverside location with emphasis on pedestrians and cyclists with potential for street cafes and seating areas.

Marie Mackintosh, city partnership officer, said: “Ness Walk is an attractive city waterfront location and our aim is not only to improve traffic movement at this often congested area but to create a more attractive and user friendly thoroughfare.

“Easing congestion at the Ness Bridge junction will improve journey times and make the road safer for pedestrians while cycle lanes will allow safe two way travel for cyclists.”