Inverness flood scheme works switch to Huntly Street

Residents and businesses  on Huntly Street are being advised that sheet piling work, associated with the River Ness Flood Alleviation Scheme, will begin on Monday 11 November.

This will result in closure of the street to vehicles between Young Street and Greig Street from this time until 7 am on Friday 29 November, when work will be suspended for the Christmas period.

Pedestrians will have access at all times. 

The Highland Council has had to revise the construction programme and start the piling work on Huntly Street ahead of the planned date due to the difficulties encountered with large boulders on Bank Street. Alternative methods for dealing with the boulders on Bank Street are being explored with the Contractor, Morgan Sindall, but in the meantime the Council needs to make best use of the expensive equipment on site and continue with piling works on Huntly Street.

A smaller piling rig will commence piling on Douglas Row on Monday 11 November, working from the Friars Street end, which will require the road to remain closed to vehicles. Pedestrian and cycle access will continue to be maintained.

A Council spokesman said:  “We are actively working with the contractor, Morgan Sindall, to find a solution to the large boulders on Bank Street, between the Greig Street Bridge and the Ness Bridge.  In order to maintain progress on the project  a joint decision has been taken to move the piling rig to Huntly Street whilst we develop a method to deal with the boulders.

“We will continue working on Bank Street carrying out drainage work. However,  work will be suspended in Bank Street and traffic restrictions removed from 7 am on Friday 29 November in recognition of the importance to local businesses of pre-Christmas shopping. It is intended to return there early in the new year to complete the sheet piling work and continue with associated works.

“We apologise for any inconvenience and will make every effort to keep residents and local businesses informed of the work programme and any likely disruptions.”