Kessock Bridge | Update on Safety Improvements | Traffic Scotland
Traffic Scotland gives you the real-time information you need about Scotland’s trunk road network
www.traffic.gov.scotHere are the latest updates on the Kessock Bridge based on current travel and regional sources:
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BEAR Scotland has been carrying out essential safety improvements on the A9 Kessock Bridge north of Inverness. A £2 million investment from Transport Scotland funded structural strengthening of all four tower legs, wind measurement upgrades, and safety/access improvements inside the towers. Completion was targeted for autumn 2025, with work progressing through 2025.[1][4]
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The A9 Kessock Bridge safety works have included strengthening the steel towers, installing wind monitoring (anemometers), and improving internal access for maintenance teams. Footway/cycleway closures have been implemented with diversions to protect pedestrians and cyclists, and some overnight lane closures have occurred as part of the program.[3][1]
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An ongoing major upgrade program has involved phased works on the bridge deck, waterproofing removal, joints installation, and safety barrier upgrades on approaches. Traffic management has included contra-flow arrangements and speed reductions in affected weeks, with updates provided to reflect progress and timelines.[2][3]
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Traffic Scotland guidance has indicated that site works began in early 2025 with a broader completion target of autumn 2026 for the overall scheme, and a separate paint-removal/repaint package at the north end was expected to finish by September 2025. They advise travelers to check live updates and allow extra time for journeys.[3]
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Media coverage around early 2025 highlighted a paint-related upgrade on the north end of the bridge and noted that while some works were anticipated, disruption to traffic crossing the bridge was not expected in that phase. There were broader reassurances about progress toward completing the improvements.[6]
If you’d like, I can pull the most current live travel updates for the Kessock Bridge and summarize any planned closures or diversions for your specific travel window. I can also create a quick timeline of key milestones from 2024 to 2026 to help you plan.
Citations:
- BEAR Scotland safety improvements funded by Transport Scotland and completion timelines.[1]
- Safety works details, including tower strengthening, wind measurement upgrades, and pedestrian/cyclist diversions.[4][1]
- Bridge upgrade phases, deck works, waterproofing, joints, and barrier upgrades with traffic management notes.[2][3]
- Traffic Scotland live updates, scope, and completion targets for autumn 2026, plus north-end painting project timeline.[3]
- Media coverage on paint work and disruption expectations.[6]