New Canal Protocol Begins on 1 April

An improved protocol to manage the opening times for the canal swing bridges at Tomnahurich and Muirtown, Inverness, is to be implemented by British Waterways Scotland from tomorrow (Wednesday 1 April). British Waterways Scotland has worked in partnership with The Highland Council to review the existing protocol which sets out when the swing bridges are not open to canal traffic.  This implementation – on time - marks the end of a consultative process agreed by The Highland Council’s Inverness City Committee on 15 September last year.
 
From tomorrow, the Muirtown Bridge will remain open to vehicular traffic Monday – Friday between 8.15am – 9.20am; 12.10pm – 1.20pm; and 4.25pm – 5.45pm. The protocol at Muirtown Bridge on a Saturday will see the bridge remain open to vehicular traffic between 8.20am  – 9.20am, 1.15pm -1.45pm  and 5pm – 5.30 pm and on a Sunday between  8.20am – 9.20am,  10.20am -10.50am and 5pm – 5.30pm.

At Tomnahurich Bridge, the bridge will remain open to vehicular traffic Monday – Friday  between 8.20am – 9.15am; noon – 1.10pm; and 4.35pm – 5.35pm. There is no protocol at weekends at Tomnahurich Bridge.

The new protocol has been warmly welcomed by the two members for Inverness West Ward of The Highland Council.
Councillor Alex Graham said: "The new timings should be a major improvement for local residents, with fewer delays at peak times and a reduction in the lengthy queues which are a feature of the rush hour locally."

Councillor Pauline Munro said: "I am delighted that we have got to this stage, thanks to our partnership working with the local community and British Waterways Scotland. It should make a positive difference. The travelling public can be assured we will review the protocol on a regular basis."