Milestone for Naver bridge project

Works on the Naver Bridge replacement scheme, on the A836 section of the North Coast 500 route near Bettyhill, have reached a major milestone this week with the completion of the in-river works.

This includes all piling works for the bridge foundations, and enables the contractor, Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd, to continue with the remaining foundation and bridge superstructure works throughout the summer months.

All equipment associated with the piling works, such as piling rig and support cranes, are now off site.

Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “I am delighted to see progress on this vital transport link - a major north coast project which demonstrates our commitment to improving the infrastructure in rural areas of Highland.”

The next phases of the scheme involves the construction of the bridge abutments and piers, with the main bridge beams due to be delivered to site towards the end of the year.

Road makeup, utility diversion and retaining wall construction works will also progress alongside the bridge construction works.

This milestone was achieved with the unwavering support of all stakeholders, particularly the River Naver Fisheries and Naver District Salmon Fisheries Board, who have worked with the project team to support the scheme and complete the in-river works.

Without stakeholder support, delivery of the works would be infinitely more difficult.

Works are planned to continue throughout year, with bridge construction, utility diversion, road construction and landscaping works due to be completed and open to traffic by Summer 2026. Demolition of the existing bridge structure is scheduled for the in-river working window in November 2026, enabling full project completion by December 2026.

Highland Council appreciates the impact these works are having on the local community and North Coast 500 traffic, particularly as we approach the busier summer months.

The works will be managed with a view to introducing as little disruption as possible.