Traffic returns to Inverness city centre

‘Academy Street, Inverness has re-opened to motorists and pedestrians and its business as usual in the city centre’ says the Multi Agency Response Team dealing with recovery of the city centre fire site.

Academy Street has re-opened with one-lane access only.

Three-way traffic lights are operating on Academy Street and Queensgate allowing traffic to proceed in both directions (north and south) on Academy Street and exiting left and right from Queensgate. Pedestrian access is available on Academy Street and along the north pavement on Strothers Lane.

Scaffolding erected to shore up the fire-damaged property on Academy Street / Strothers Lane will remain in situ for the foreseeable future. Strothers Lane will remain closed to all vehicular access until the necessary structural scaffolding is no longer required on the fire site.

Bus services have returned to normal with the exception of Service 5 (Balloch – Hilton route) which is currently terminating at Eastgate Centre. Operators Stagecoach hope that the service will return to its normal Union Street termination tomorrow (Tuesday 28 April).

Parking at Highland Council's Rose Street car park will continue at the flat fee of 20p for the first two hours until further notice.

Previous temporary traffic management plans for the fire recovery have been lifted. Two-way restricted traffic has been reinstated on Fraser Street with access for buses and taxis only. Drivers are asked to be aware of the restrictions on Fraser Street and to heed the traffic management plans which are enforceable and not to impede the flow of traffic. The traffic management plans is being monitored by traffic wardens and ALBA traffic Management.

The Multi-agency partners would like to thank the public and businesses for their patience and understanding.

Road works that were due to start on Millburn Road on 20 April for Highlands and Islands Enterprise, to construct a bus gate to improve access to the Raigmore area will now commence next week.

For further information on Stagecoach buses and timetables please visit their website.

Marie Mackintosh, Chief Executive, Highland Opportunity said: “Any business that wishes to discuss the impact the situation is having on their business, and mitigating action to cope with the downturn in trade, can have a confidential one-to-one discussion with a business adviser by contacting Business Gateway on 01463 713889.”