Phase 2 - Kessock Bridge improvements update
The works represent an investment of £13.2m from Transport Scotland to keep this vital artery operating safely for many years to come.
Week five of the twenty week programme continues to see contra-flow on the northbound carriageway as well as a reduced speed limit of 30mph.
What has been done during Week 4?
• The removal of the bridge waterproofing and preparation of the steel bridge deck continued.
• Removal of the steel plates for the old safety barrier continued.
• Preparation for the installation of new joints at the north and south ends of the bridge continued.
• The construction of scaffolding at the east side of the bridge for the cable stressing started.
• Testing of the steel deck to identify defects or cracks on the surface continued.
• Installation of steel base plates for new safety barrier.
• Painting of the parapet posts before installation of new top rail to make it cyclist compliant.
Works planned for the week ahead:
• Work to remove the existing waterproofing on the bridge deck is ongoing.
• Work on the construction of access scaffolding for the cable stressing on the east side of the bridge is ongoing subject to favourable weather conditions.
• Works will continue in preparation for the installation of the new movement joints.
• Work to remove the existing barrier from the footway and installation of the new barrier is ongoing.
• Work will continue on the modification of the existing bridge parapets, to make them cycleway compliant.
• Work will begin on laying down the primer for the waterproofing system in the footway.
Traffic Management and Diversions:
• The southbound carriageway and footpath/cycleway are closed.
• A contra-flow system is in operation on the northbound carriageway.
• Pedestrian and cyclist diversions are in place on the northbound footpath/cycleway.
• Motorists can still expect around a 30 minute delay at peak hours.
Calum Galloway, BEAR Scotland’s Bridges Manager for the North West Unit, said: “Works are progressing well on site. This week we are continuing to remove the waterproofing on the bridge deck, clean and test the steel. We will also be starting to install the new the barrier and be working on modifications to the existing parapet.
“As always we would like to thank road users who use this route for their on-going patience and cooperation during these improvement works. If those travelling are able to use other methods of transport, like taking the bus, train or even car sharing, then we would urge them to do so. There is also the possibility to vary journey times to avoid delays.”
Motorists driving in and around Inverness can access up to the minute journey time information at www.trafficscotland.org. Further journey planning information is also available on Twitter and via the Travelline Scotland/Transport Scotland travel app.
Traffic information is available on: www.trafficscotland.org
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