Motorists warned of traffic disruption as preparatory works begin on the River Ness flood alleviation scheme

The public is advised of disruptions to traffic movement in the city centre of Inverness due to essential works needed in preparation for the £21 million River Ness Flood Alleviation Scheme. Lane closures are needed over the next six weeks to accommodate the excavation of boreholes and service trenches which will help identify ground conditions and confirm the location of services across the streets. 
 
The first phase of work, now underway and continuing until Friday 6 July, will be carried out at Riverside Street, Huntly Street, Huntly Place, Friars Place, Friars Street, Douglas Row and Bank Street.
 
Between Monday 2 July and Friday 20 July, work will be focused on Shore Street, Cromwell Road, and Longman Drive.
 
Between Monday 16 July and Friday 3 August, Gilbert Street, Anderson Street and Kessock Road will be affected.
 
Traffic management will be in place and local access will be maintained. Access to businesses and residental accommodation will also be fully maintained.

The Highland Council has appointed consulting engineers Mott MacDonald to develop The River Ness Flood Alleviation Scheme (Tidal Section) that will protect 795 residential and 188 non-residential properties from a 1:100 year return period (plus climate change) flood event. The proposed scheme will require the construction of riverbank defences consisting of both walls and embankments of varying height, generally 1metre high.
 
The scheme comprises two distinct phases – Phase 1 between Friars Bridge and Ness Bridge and Phase 2 from Friars Bridge north to the harbour and the mouth of the River Ness.
 
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