Additional train capacity planned during the Kessock Bridge works
Issued by Scottish Transerv
Trafficscotland real-time journey planning | @kessockbridge (Twitter updates)
Plans to help remove traffic on the A 9 Kessock Bridge during the upcoming emergency works (19 – 26 June) are underway, with ScotRail set to provide extra capacity on the early morning Lairg to Inverness route and the evening Inverness to Ardgay.
In an effort to reduce the volume of vehicles crossing the bridge, particularly during peak commuting hours and at lunch time, Scotland Transerv is requesting employers to allow staff to work from home and to be flexible with working hours. It is also encouraging motorists to use public transport alternatives or to car pool.
An extra two carriages (121 seats) will be provided Monday 20th June – Friday 24th June,2011, on the-
Cathel Macaskill at Scotland Transerv said: “We are delighted to see this additional capacity from ScotRail to enable more commuters to make the switch to rail during these emergency works.
“We are encouraging people to think about their travel during these works and use public transport or car pool if they can. Another option is to work flexible hours outwith peak travel times, or to work from home.
“We would like to thank everyone for their assistance in this. By alleviating road traffic on the bridge we are helping to reduce the impact of these works.”
Motorists should allow extra time for their journeys and pay attention to any advisory signs in place throughout the works. For real time journey planning information visit www.trafficscotland.org
A twitter account will be set up to provide up to the minute information about the works, www.twitter.com/kessockbridge
Notes to Editors
Scotland Transerv, on behalf of Transport Scotland, is working with all emergency services, The Highland Council, traffic management operators, elected members and other community representatives, major employers, public transport operators ScotRail, HITRANS, transport forums, ferry operators and others with a view to mitigating the impact of the essential works on the Kessock Bridge starting on Sunday 19th June, 2011.
The most recent data available gives a vehicle occupancy rate on vehicles travelling over the Kessock Bridge at 1.1 per vehicle. An increase in occupancy rate to 1.5 per vehicle on this route would remove 800 vehicles off the network.
Pedestrian and cycle access across the bridge will remain open at all times.
Public meetings have been arranged by The Highland Council at the St Clements Church Hall in Dingwall at 7pm on Wednesday 8th June 2011, and the Culbokie Primary School at 6pm on Thursday 9th June 2011, to discuss the traffic implications of the works. Representatives from Scotland Transerv will be in attendance.