Dave Thompson MSP

SKYE, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Dave Thompson has welcomed confirmation that essential work to resurface the Kessock Bridge will avoid the vital link’s busiest period.

Mr Thompson stated that a repeat of community efforts to minimise use of the Kessock Bridge during this maintenance period will help to limit disruption. The MSP was speaking following Transport Scotland’s confirmation that work to resurface the bridge will be spread over the next two years and, referring to a significant reduction in traffic volumes during an earlier partial closure of the bridge for repairs, he said: “Commuters have shown what is possible before when the bridge is being repaired and I am committed to making sure the public transport they need to repeat this is in place.

He added: “The Kessock Bridge has had a huge impact to the development of Inverness and Ross-shire and I welcome the investment of £18 million to increase the longevity of this important transport link.

The agency also formally rejected calls for a new Park and Ride scheme and the return of the Kessock Ferry to reduce the volume of traffic on the bridge.

Transport planners stated that the best use of public money was for the estimated £1 million cost of a temporary Park and Ride scheme to be invested in the £18 million budget to extend the life of the bridge.

To improve traffic flow, work will begin in November to add signals to the Longman roundabout before the commencement of the contract to resurface the bridge in February next year.

Transport Scotland also decided against calls for the restoration of the Kessock Ferry, stating that the level of traffic this would be able to carry would be insufficient to relieve congestion on the bridge.

Mr Thompson pledged to do all he could to encourage train and bus operators to provide the extra services needed to help manage additional demand as commuters switch to public transport during the resurfacing work.

“Last year when the bridge was partially closed for some time, the level of traffic on the bridge was reduced as commuters sought to share cars or use public transport.

“That demonstrates that it is possible for the number of vehicles crossing the bridge to be reduced and I hope will serve as an example for what is needed when these next major works have to be carried out.

“I will continue to press train and bus operators to provide sufficient capacity to cater for those who are able to switch to public transport during this period.

He added: “Tourism is one of the main economic drivers for the Highlands so I am pleased Transport Scotland has confirmed that any partial closure of the bridge will avoid the late summer period when tourist traffic is at its greatest, benefitting every bridge user and local businesses.”