Work starts on phase two of the River Ness flood alleviation scheme
McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd have been commissioned by The Highland Council to build flood walls on both sides of the river between Friars Bridge and the mouth of the river near the harbour. They have begun work on Anderson Street.
The scheme will raise the existing flood defences along both banks of the river in the form of low walls and embankments. To enable construction of the flood scheme, temporary ‘Traffic Orders’ will come into force on streets affected by the works.
The year-long contract will be carried out at the same time as works continue on the first phase of the flood alleviation scheme and streetscape/public arts works between Ness Bridge and Friars Bridge.
Work on phase one, which is being carried out by Morgan Sindall, is progressing well with the flood walls now taking shape along the route, the works are programmed to be complete in Spring 2015.
Bank Street will reopen to traffic in early summer. Traffic management will remain in place thereafter to accommodate streetscape works, which will enhance the riverside environment together with public arts features.
Draft traffic orders seeking public views will be published in the near future proposing alterations to parking and traffic flow along Huntly Street following representations from the public to earlier proposals.
The Council has attracted £256,000 from SUSTRANS Community Links Funding towards the cost of enhancing cycle-friendly features including a shared surface and improved signage and Toucan Lights on the Ness Bridge.
Councillor Ian Brown, Leader of the City of Inverness Area Committee, cut the first turf on the project.
He said: “This is the latest phase of a major construction project in the city to protect businesses and residents from the threat of flooding from the River Ness. We will work closely with the local community to minimise disruption from the project.”
David Allan, McLaughlin & Harvey Project Manager, said: “McLaughlin and Harvey are very pleased to be working with The Highland Council on Phase 2 of the River Ness Flood Alleviation Scheme. We will be using local labour, sub-contractors and suppliers within the Inverness area and will be interacting with the local community and schools throughout the course of the project.”
The Council, Morgan Sindall for Phase 1 and McLaughlin and Harvey Ltd for Phase 2 have appointed public liaison officers to keep local residents and businesses advised of progress on the project.
They are Sally Cooper (Council), Bryan Jolly (Morgan Sindall) and Angela Ford (McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd). They can be contacted on 07557 744 442 or by email at RiverNessFAS@highland.gov.uk.
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