The first stage of the £21 million River Ness Flood Alleviation Scheme, Inverness, which will protect approximately 800 homes and 200 businesses in the city centre, is due to start on 22 October.

Work will involve the diversion of gas, water, electricity and telecommunication services required to accommodate the first phase of the construction of piled foundations, a seepage collection system and flood walls/ embankments on both sides of the river between the Ness Bridge and Friar's Bridge.

The full scheme is likely to take until April 2015 to complete. It attracted 80% funding from the Scottish Government. The Council met the balance.

The Council will work with the contractors to minimise inconvenience to the public, but recognises that traffic disruption in the city centre is unavoidable given the nature of the scheme. The public is urged to consider how the proposed works may affect their journeys during this period and consider alternative routes which may help ease pressure on the traffic system.

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The first contract is to divert utilities to enable construction of the scheme in the central section. In order to safely divert gas and water pipes on Huntly Street, parking and traffic restrictions will be enforced between 22 October 2012 and April 2013. Works will progress in discrete sections with the loss of localised parking. However, traffic flows will be maintained via diversions. Access will be maintained for businesses, residents, blue badge holders and emergency vehicles at all times.

On the opposite side of the river, work is needed to replace electricity, gas and communication services. This will see a full closure for a period of time of Bank Street and Friar’s Lane to through traffic between Fraser Street and Academy Street from 22 October to 10 December 2012 and between 3 January and 11 February 2013. Diversions will be in place for the road closures.

Following consultation with local businesses, it has been agreed that Bank Street and Friar’s Lane will be re-opened and work will be suspended between 10 December and 3 January to minimise the impact on Christmas shopping.

Works on Bank Street are also being programmed to restore full capacity from 11 February 2013, when resurfacing works on the Kessock Bridge commences.

Extended working hours to 10 pm may be permitted (Monday - Saturday) to minimise disruption, subject to noise constraints and no associated complaints.

Where permit, disabled parking and private car parking spaces are unusable during construction, alternative arrangements for an equivalent number of parking spaces to those affected will be provided.

The contractor will liaise with local businesses to co-ordinate daily deliveries, bin collections and pedestrian access.

(CD)