Transport Minister seeks reassurances on Kessock Bridge plans

17th January 2013

Transport Minister Keith Brown has received reassurances from Transport Scotland that robust plans are in place to minimise disruption during the main Kessock Bridge repairs starting next month.

Following unforeseen delays due to the Longman Roundabout advance works earlier this week, Mr Brown had requested assurances that sufficient plans were in place to ensure the situation would not be repeated during the main resurfacing works on the bridge.

Transport Scotland has advised Mr Brown of the measures in place to minimise the disruption and the operating company Scotland Transerv has apologised unreservedly for mistakes that led to the delays and disruption.

Mr Brown said: “Inverness is the economic heart of the Highlands and I was very concerned to hear about the impact this isolated incident had on traffic flows into the city on Monday.

“Repairs and upgrade works are essential to keep our roads safe and in good working order but effective planning and communication are vital to ensure individuals, businesses and communities can go about their daily business with minimal disruption. Since Monday, Scotland Transerv has undertaken a thorough review of communications and senior managers are putting additional measures and resources in place to ensure there is no repeat of Monday’s situation.

“I understand that this was an isolated incident, not part of the main Kessock Bridge contract, and have had reassurances that two years of planning, consultation and a £2 million investment by Transport Scotland in advance of this project will ensure commuters do not face a similar situation next month.

“There has been significant investment in public transport, including a new Conon Bridge Station, additional capacity on buses and trains and bus lanes to allow faster access to the city during the works.

“All of these measures will be in place for the works starting on 11th February and while delays are inevitable with major repairs such as these, local stakeholders, including The Highland Council, have said they are confident that sufficient steps have been taken to minimise the disruption.”

Measures in place to minimise disruption and encourage people to use public transport during the works include:

· Peak-time train services into Inverness will be doubled in capacity during the works (four carriages instead of two) · Conon Bridge Station re-opened in time for the works beginning · Additional car parking at Ross County Football Stadium in Dingwall and at Beauly station · A dedicated bus lane on the A9 south running from south of the Tore Roundabout to the Kessock Bridge and additional Stagecoach bus services to and from the Black Isle · A local car-sharing scheme has been set up · A dedicated southbound slip road from Stadium Road to the A9 south and a dedicated bus lane at this arm of Longman Roundabout.
· New traffic lights at the Longman Roundabout (south of Kessock Bridge), Rose Street Roundabout and at the junction of Henderson Road/Longman Road.

Scotland Transerv, on behalf of Transport Scotland, have been liaising extensively with local communities, businesses and employers in advance of the works.

This week, staff and students at Inverness College heard about options for alternative means of travel during the works.
Director of Organisation and Performance Lindsay Ferries said “The Kessock Bridge works affects 20 per cent of our staff and 20 per cent of our students who travel to the college daily.

“I understand there will be various other options for travelling during the repair works and the information from Scotland Transerv was welcomed by the college in discussing and determining other possible routes to and through Inverness.”

Motorists driving in and around Inverness during the works 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.