Carriageway surfacing works, using state-of-the-art material, have started on the Kessock Bridge, the Highland Council has confirmed.

The £13.2m improvement programme, now entering into its 13th week, will see both layers of the surface laid this week.

Following weeks of work, including preparation of the steel bridge deck and applying the new waterproofing system, more than 1,500 tonnes of the specialist surfacing material gussasphalt will now be laid on the southbound carriageway of the Kessock Bridge.

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The special road surfacing material is very flexible and durable which means a longer service life, and it will be the first structure to have used it in Scotland.

Calum Galloway, Bridges Manager for BEAR Scotland's North West Unit, said: "A major benefit of this material on the bridge is that it can be laid in a continuous operation over the width of the carriageway without the need for joints and has increased durability.

"Other benefits include minimal future interventions for repairs, early skid resistance, and a smoother and more durable ride quality for the travelling public."

The bridge, managed by BEAR Scotland, saw the refurbishment works to the southbound section of the 1,052m-long structure start in February and good progress has been made over the last 12 weeks of the project.

Balfour Beatty has been appointed to oversee the work.

(JP/IT)