Re-opening of through traffic between Bank Street and Academy Street, Inverness

Motorists and bus/taxi passengers are advised that two-way traffic movement will resume between Bank Street and Academy Street, Inverness, from 9 am on Sunday 9 December.

Bank Street has been closed to through traffic since works began on 29 October on diverting essential Services, such as gas mains, electricity cables and communications cables in advance of the River Ness Flood Alleviation Scheme.

From 9 am on Sunday, Fraser Street will revert to one-way to Queensgate and the temporary traffic lights in Church Street will be removed. Temporary barriers will be used to delineate the original kerblines at the Fraser St/Church Street junction to prevent the left turn manoeuvre.

Friars Street and Douglas Row will remain closed due to ongoing work.

Meanwhile, Huntly Street will remain closed between Young Street and Greig Street for at least the rest of this week as work continues to divert services there.  It had been hoped to complete this section by tomorrow (Tuesday) but progress has been delayed as the main focus of work has been on Bank Street and Castle Road.

Coffey Construction are carrying out the utility diversion works for The Highland Council between the Ness Bridge and Friars Bridge as the first phase of work on the £24.75 million flood alleviation and streetscape scheme, which will continue until April 2015.

A Council spokesman said: “We have made good progress between Bank Street and Academy Street, which has enabled us to plan reopening through traffic on Sunday at 9 am  - a day ahead of schedule. This will help local businesses in the run up to Christmas.

“The extra focus on Bank Street and at the Ness Bridge junction, to overcome unexpected difficulties, has resulted in a delay in the progress at Huntly Street.  We would like to thank the public for their patience during these essential works.”