Drivers heading into Inverness city centre are being warned to expect significant delays from Friday 16 October as roadworks bring lane closures, temporary traffic lights and changes to pedestrian crossings around Ness Bridge.
Highland Council has confirmed that Openreach will carry out work around the junction of Bridge Street, Bank Street, Castle Road and Ness Bridge, with the main traffic restrictions continuing until Monday 19 October and further work planned for Tuesday 20 October.
The works affect one of the busiest junctions in the city centre, connecting traffic crossing the River Ness with routes through the city and along the riverside.
Temporary traffic management arrangements will replace the existing traffic lights, with road lanes closed at different stages to allow engineers to carry out excavation and repairs to underground ducts.
From 6am on Friday 16 October until Sunday 18 October, the main work area will stretch between Johnny Foxes and Zizzi.
Four way temporary traffic lights will control vehicles, with the eastbound lane on Bridge Street and southbound lanes on Bank Street closed.
Traffic will be directed through the remaining lanes, while one eastbound lane on Ness Bridge will also be closed.
Engineers will excavate approximately 35 metres to install a new underground duct.
On Monday 19 October, the work will move towards the bus stop on Castle Road, where engineers will repair a blockage in an existing duct.
The westbound lanes on Bridge Street will close, with traffic redirected through the eastbound lane.
The southbound lane on Castle Road will also close, alongside a southbound lane on Bank Street and an eastbound lane on Ness Bridge.
Four way temporary traffic lights will remain in operation, including a separate phase for pedestrians.
Further works are scheduled for Tuesday 20 October at the junction of View Place and Castle Road, where three way temporary traffic lights will control vehicles while another duct blockage is repaired.
Pedestrians will also notice significant changes, with several familiar crossing points temporarily suspended.
The crossings at Castle Wynd and Zizzi will be replaced by a single temporary crossing near XOKO.
The crossing at Johnny Foxes will close temporarily, with pedestrians directed to a replacement crossing near the Mercure Hotel car park exit.
The River Grill crossing will remain available but will operate under portable traffic lights.
Temporary barriers and signs will guide pedestrians towards the alternative crossings, although waiting times are expected to increase because each crossing will have its own traffic light phase.
These temporary pedestrian arrangements will operate from 6am on Friday 16 October until 8pm on Monday 19 October.
Bus passengers will also face changes during the works.
The bus stop at the foot of Castle Wynd Steps on Castle Road will be suspended, with a temporary replacement outside the Mercure Hotel on Bank Street.
The stop outside The Gellions on Bridge Street will remain open.
Highland Council says warning signs will be placed around the area advising motorists that delays are likely and alternative routes should be used wherever possible.
With work taking place across several connecting roads, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are being encouraged to plan their journeys carefully, particularly during busy periods when congestion could extend beyond the immediate junction.
