The Highland Council has welcomed the progress being made on Phase Two of the ongoing Inverness West link works.

Contractors working on the second stage of the Inverness West Link bypass have said they are making good progress.

Road surfacing started on November 5, with access to the canal and roundabout prioritised to allow it to open for the Regatta on 9 and 10 November.

Tow path diversions and temporary car parking for the rowing club were also installed.

The sheet piling to the new wharf began on 10 November using an 80-tonne piling rig with vibrating hammer.


The canal was closed on 18 November to allow the installation of coffer dams at the extents of the bridge and wharf. Pipelines and pumps were also installed for the over-pumping operation.

Constructors are required to keep the canal downstream topped up, which requires 750 litres a second being pumped between the upstream and downstream dams. 

The planned works for the next month include:

• Piling of East and West abutments

• Dewatering of the canal

• Concrete tie wall and anchors

• Deep drainage across A82

• Duct installation across the canal

The West Link project has significantly enhanced accessibility since the completion of Phase 1 back in December 2017 and Highland Council is looking forward to all the benefits that Stage 2 will bring for local residents, businesses and visitors to the City of Inverness.

(MH/JG)