Essential works to upgrade the gas network at the Raigmore Interchange in Inverness are progressing, with traffic restrictions set to remain in place as the project moves into its next phase.
Engineers have been working along Millburn Road and are now preparing to resume activity on the A96, with the westbound lane closure between the Inverness Retail Park roundabout and the B865 Millburn Road due to be reinstated on Monday the 23rd of March.
The restriction will remain in place for the remainder of the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of May.
A westbound lane closure on Millburn Road will also continue as planned while works are carried out.
To help manage traffic and reduce disruption, a recovery vehicle will remain on site at all times to deal quickly with any breakdowns within the working area.
The project involves the replacement of a high pressure gas pipeline at the busy A96 and A9 Raigmore interchange, a key route in and out of Inverness.
The work is described as safety critical, with engineers acting after investigations identified a section of the network requiring urgent replacement.
If left unresolved, there was a risk of disruption to gas supplies for thousands of homes across the city.
The project began on the 10th of February and is expected to take around 15 weeks to complete.
Contractors have said that while the work was originally scheduled for later in the year, the need for immediate action meant advance notice was limited.
Efforts are being made to minimise disruption, with night time and weekend working used where possible to keep traffic moving on one of the busiest routes in the Highlands.
Teams are also working in coordination with BEAR Scotland, which has ongoing projects at the interchange, to ensure both sets of works are delivered safely and efficiently.
Once the emergency pipeline replacement is complete, further planned work to reinforce the network will continue in the area.
Motorists and residents have been thanked for their patience as the works continue, with further updates expected as the project progresses.
Traffic restrictions on the A96 at Raigmore will continue into the spring as essential gas network works are carried out to protect supply for thousands of homes across Inverness.
