Phase 2 - Kessock Bridge improvements update - weeks 5 and 6

17th March 2014

The second phase of the main Kessock Bridge upgrade started on 10 February 2014. The works represent an investment of £13.2m from Transport Scotland. Week six 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 5?

The removal of the bridge waterproofing and preparation of the steel bridge deck is ongoing.
Removal of the steel plates for the old safety barrier is now complete.
Preparation for the installation of new joints at the north and south ends of the bridge is ongoing.
The construction of scaffolding at the east side of the bridge for the cable stressing is ongoing.
Testing of the steel deck to identify defects or cracks on the surface is ongoing.
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.
Application of the primer for the waterproofing system began.
Works planned for the week ahead:

Works will continue to remove the existing waterproofing on the bridge deck.
Works continue on the construction of access scaffolding for the cable stressing on the east side of the bridge.
Works will continue in preparation for the installation of the new movement joints.
Works will continue on the installation of the new barrier.
Works will continue on the modification of the existing bridge parapets, to make them cycleway compliant.
Works will continue on the application of the primer for the waterproofing system on the footway.
Works will begin on application of the new waterproofing system.
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.
Calum Galloway, BEAR Scotland’s Bridges Manager for the North West Unit, said: “We are making good progress on works to date and this week will see activity begin on the application of the new waterproofing system. This is an important part of the works being undertaken to improve the bridge.

“We are also continuing to monitor journey times. We anticipate that similar to last year, journey times will be reduced during peak hours when the schools break for Easter shortly.

“Road users have been very patient to date. Their continued support to avoid the bridge during peak times or choosing alternative methods of travel is appreciated.”

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. Follow BEAR Scotland NW on Twitter [AT]NWTrunkRoads.