Banavie swing bridge closes for essential maintenance
Essential maintenance on the A830 Banavie Swing Bridge is scheduled to get under way on Monday for five nights.
The £350,000 investment from Transport Scotland will involve essential mechanical maintenance work, including replacing some of the structural components vital to ensure the swing bridge continues to operate safely when opening and closing across the Caledonian Canal.
The overnight project will take place between 11pm and 5am, with all work expected to be completed by 5am on Saturday February 1.
To keep the workforce and motorists safe during the project, an overnight road closure on the A830 at Banavie Swing Bridge will be in place during the works as the bridge deck will need to be swung open to allow safe access to the bridge components.
As there is no suitable diversion route available, vehicles will be parked in signed designated areas until the swing bridge reopens. There will be no amnesty periods during the works.
The A830 will be fully open outwith working hours. The works are weather dependent and will be rescheduled if adverse weather conditions are forecast. Consultation has been carried out with emergency services, Highland Council, local businesses, transport operators, residents and other relevant stakeholders.
Commenting on the proposals, Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s north west representative, said: ‘These £350,000 essential bridge maintenance works will allow our teams to replace the rear roller track and will see essential painting carried out ensuring the bridge continues to function safely for years to come.
‘The traffic management is essential to keep everyone safe during the project, however, we have planned the works to take place overnight to help minimise disruption as much as possible.
‘The project has also been programmed outwith the busy summer months and has taken advantage of when the canal is closed to boat traffic during winter.
‘Regrettably, due to the nature of the works, the A830 will remain closed to all traffic between 11pm and 5am.
‘Our teams will do all they can to complete the essential maintenance as quickly and safely as possible.’