Kessock Bridge
The Kessock Bridge opened to traffic in 1982. It is a cable stayed bridge and carries the A9 dual carriageway trunk road across the Beauly Firth at Inverness. The traffic flow on Kessock Bridge is approximately 30,000 vehicles per day.
It has a 1,052m long continuous steel deck superstructure with a 240m main span, carrying two lanes of traffic each direction. The bridge also includes footways / cycleways.
The structure is supported on concrete columns with cutwater plinths at sea level and concrete abutments at either end of the bridge.
Situated over the two main piers, twin 45m high single cell welded steel box pylons, support the deck superstructure by means of steel wire cables.
Why is it needed?
Transport Scotland will be carrying out essential works to the Kessock Bridge in order to ensure its reliable service for the next thirty years.
The road surface of the bridge is reaching the end of its working life. The need for ad-hoc repairs is increasingly disruptive to traffic. It is now necessary to intervene and resurface the bridge in its entirety, thereby saving motorists time lost to roadworks.
What is involved?
Specialist contractors will:
- remove the existing road surface
- repair any defects to the bridge steel deck plate
- apply waterproofing to bridge steel deck plate
- resurface both carriageways
At the same time, we will take the opportunity to:
- replace the bridge deck expansion joints
- replace the lighting columns
- replace the vehicle barriers in the central reserve and footways
- resurface the footways and cycleways
A map showing the bridge location
How much will it cost?
Estimated cost is £18m.
What stage is it at?
Tenders have been issued, and the works are planned to start in February 2013 and last until June 2014. The resurfacing part of the works will be carried out in 2 phases from February to June 2013 and February to June 2014, thus avoiding the peak tourist traffic in July and August.
How will it affect me?
The works represent a significant investment by Transport Scotland. Given the scale of works we need to consider the ways to minimise disruption to users. To help drivers plan their journeys, various mitigation measures are being investigated including signalisation of junctions on the A82 and A9; additional carriages, trains and buses at peak times; southbound HGV/ Bus lane on the A9; additional car parking provision at railway stations; and the possible reopening Conon Bridge Railway Station. Transport Scotland continues to consult with key stakeholders including The Highland Council; HITRANS; Network Rail; ScotRail; Bus Operators; and Scottish Canals.
Contra flow traffic management will be used to keep traffic running on the bridge. Traffic will run one lane in either direction on the southbound carriageway, while the works are completed on the northbound carriageway. Traffic will then be switched to run one lane in either direction on the northbound carriageway to allow works on the southbound carriageway.
What is being done to reduce the environmental impact?
The environmental impact will be minimal as the works are confined mainly to the bridge. Control measures will be put in place to protect the local environment.
Are there any other online legal documents / public notices relating to this project?
A Notice of Determination is expected to be required following an Environmental Review.
Contact
For more information please contact:
Trunk Roads & Bus Operations (TRBO)
Transport Scotland
Buchanan House
58 Port Dundas Road
Glasgow
G4 0HF
Telephone: 0141 272 7100
Email: info@transportscotland.gsi.gov.uk
