The second phase of the River Ness Flood Alleviation Scheme has started.

The Highland Council has appointed contractors McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd for the £9.3m phase of the development which will see flood walls constructed on both sides of the river between Friars Bridge and the mouth of the river, near the harbour.

Work has already commenced on Anderson Street.

The year-long contract will be carried out at the same time as works continue on the first phase of the flood alleviation scheme and streetscape/public arts works between Ness Bridge and Friars Bridge.

Work on phase one, which is being carried out by Morgan Sindall, is continuing to progress well, the Council has said with the flood walls starting to take shape along the route. These works are scheduled to be completed by Spring 2015.

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Traffic management steps will continue to remain in place following this, however, to allow for the streetscape works, which will enhance the riverside environment together with public arts features.

Draft traffic orders will be published shortly, proposing alterations to parking and traffic flow along Huntly Street, following representations from the public to earlier proposals. Elsewhere, the local authority has secured £256,000 from SUSTRANS Community Links Funding towards the cost of enhancing cycle-friendly features including a shared surface and improved signage and Toucan Lights on the Ness Bridge.

Welcoming the project, Leader of the City of Inverness Area Committee, Councillor Ian Brown, said: "This is the latest phase of a major construction project in the city to protect businesses and residents from the threat of flooding from the River Ness. We will work closely with the local community to minimise disruption from the project."

David Allan, McLaughlin & Harvey Project Manager, added: "McLaughlin and Harvey are very pleased to be working with The Highland Council on Phase 2 of the River Ness Flood Alleviation Scheme.

"We will be using local labour, sub-contractors and suppliers within the Inverness area and will be interacting with the local community and schools throughout the course of the project."

(JP)