• Series of short full road closures on 14 December.

 On behalf of Transport Scotland, BEAR Scotland is carrying out essential hydraulic works on the A82, at the historic Fort Augustus Swing Bridge, replacing the hydraulic rams which open and close the bridge.

The site works will take place on Thursday 14 December, beginning at 09.15am after the start of the school day to avoid disruption to school transport arrangements, and will be completed in a series of short closures to allow the bridge to swing for the works.  The A82 will be closed in both directions during each bridge swing.

The road will be re-opened after each swing and traffic allowed to clear before the next swing takes place. It is anticipated that 4-6 swings will be required with the first starting at 9.15am and each swing happening approximately 30 minutes after the last. Each swing requires a full road closure of up to 20 minutes. There is a diversion route, however it is not advised to be taken and will add 45 minutes onto the journey.

It is intended to complete the works by 3pm to avoid disruption to afternoon school transport arrangements and peak traffic.

Emergency services have been informed of the closure and have planned according to cover each side of the bridge throughout the closures.

Consultation has taken place with all relevant stakeholders in advance of the works to make them aware of the traffic management arrangements.  Work cannot take place during night closures due to the risk to the workers close to the water’s edge, so limited short-term day closures have been identified as the least disruptive option.

Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative, said: “These maintenance works at the A82 Fort Augustus Swing Bridge will help ensure the bridge continues to open and close reliably and minimize the potential for oil leaks. Whilst some disruption is inevitable, we will be managing the works to keep this to a minimum.”

Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland on www.traffic.gov.scot, Twitter @trafficscotland or on the mobile site my.trafficscotland.org.