Gusts of wind 'up to 50mph' close bridges while conditions remain mild
Strong winds have caused difficult road conditions for motorists on Thursday morning.
news.stv.tvHere are the latest publicly available updates on the Kessock Bridge:
Safety improvements and wind-monitoring upgrades were underway as part of a BEAR Scotland project funded by Transport Scotland, with completion aimed for autumn 2025. The works include strengthening the four bridge towers and installing new wind measurement equipment to assist management during storms [ Bear Scotland update 2025-01-06; Traffic Scotland 2025-08-18 ].
A £2 million Transport Scotland investment supported these safety strengthening works on the A9 crossing at Kessock Bridge, with site surveys and tower strengthening slated through 2025, and associated improvements to access inside towers for maintenance teams [ Bear Scotland update 2025-01-06 ]. Additionally, a separate £1 million paint and protective coating project on the northern approaches was mentioned as part of ongoing works with an expected completion around September 2025 [ Traffic Scotland 2025-08-18 ].
Traffic notices have indicated phased works, including temporary lane restrictions and a closed west footway/cycleway from early 2025 with diversions in place for pedestrians and cyclists, to ensure safety during upgrades. Project timelines pointed to substantial completion by late 2025 to autumn 2026 for the broader scheme [ Traffic Scotland 2025-08-18; Bear Scotland 2025-01-06 ].
Historical context: The bridge has undergone major upgrade work previously (2014-2015) as part of larger project investments, with ongoing maintenance and safety upgrades continuing over the years [ Highland Council update 2014; Bear Scotland historical notes via various sources ].
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Strong winds have caused difficult road conditions for motorists on Thursday morning.
news.stv.tvTransport minister Jenny Gilruth has promised £33m to maintain Kessock Bridge as it celebrates its anniversary.
news.stv.tvOn July 19th 1982, traffic was allowed to cross the Kessock Bridge for the...
hellorayo.co.ukBear Scotland says the work is not expected to cause disruption to traffic crossing the bridge.
www.bbc.co.ukSite surveys started in November 2024 Bridge tower strengthening works between January and October 2025 Single footway/cycle path closure with diversion for pedestrians and cyclists Intermittent overnight lane closures Thanks to a £2 million investment from Transport Scotland, BEAR Scotland is undertaking essential safety improvements on Kessock Bridge on the A9 which crosses the Beauly … Continued
www.bearscot.comTraffic Scotland gives you the real-time information you need about Scotland’s trunk road network
www.traffic.gov.scotKessock Bridge improvement update
www.highland.gov.ukTraffic Scotland gives you the real-time information you need about Scotland’s trunk road network
www.traffic.gov.scot