Design work to start on flyover

Engineers are poised to start drawing up detailed plans for a multimillion-pound flyover at the worst traffic bottleneck in Inverness.

Transport chiefs have confirmed to the Press and Journal that design work for the longawaited scheme at the Longman Roundabout will get under way this summer.

Consultants are being appointed by Transport Scotland to take forward a project that aims to finally end gridlock misery for motorists at the junction where the A9 meets the A82.

The flyover at the southern end of the Kessock Bridge is expected to be similar in design to the Raigmore Interchange, with options to be drawn up over the next 15-18 months.

“Included in the £315million Inverness City Region Deal”

The P&J understands officials from Highland Council have already held talks with Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC about how the project will affect their stadium, which is next to the roundabout.

The Scottish Government has set aside £107million to progress the flyover, and the city’s new “East Link”, which will connect the A9 and A96 between Inshes and Smithton.

Both projects were included in the £315million Inverness City Region Deal, which was signed off in January by representatives of Highland Council, and the UK and Scottish governments.

The flyover would take vehicles crossing the Kessock Bridge up and over a roundabout that has become a notorious pinch-point, with official data showing traffic on the bridge has increased by as much as two-thirds in the past 20 years.