Delays feared at Cromarty Bridge works

Published: 26 November, 2009

MOTORISTS in Ross-shire are in line for more disruption with the announcement of plans to carry out lengthy work on a second major bridge in the area.

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Engineers have detected weakness in the concrete structure of the 30-year-old Cromarty Bridge.

The work is likely to result in temporary lane closures and traffic lights on the bridge, which carries the A9 across the Cromarty Firth and takes around 10,000 vehicles a day.

A refurbishment and repair scheme will not start until after the completion of a major resurfacing project on the Kessock Bridge which is due to begin in 2011, to ensure the two schemes do not coincide.

Cromarty Firth Highland Councillor Maxine Smith expressed concern and said it was going to be a very difficult time for commuters when work began on either bridge.

"Transport Scotland and the council will have to look at what measures can be put into place to assist people travelling to work," she said.

"I hope people will be sensible and try and car-share, as well as try out other modes of transport like the trains and buses.

"It will be a time when everyone will have to work together to minimise delays for people trying to get from A to B."