BEAR Scotland is to begin a £1.5 million bridge refurbishment project in the Highlands.

The company will start improving the A9 Cromarty Bridge from Monday, 14 August.

Work includes concrete repairs to the bridge deck and supports as well as the installation of protection measures to prevent future deterioration. The bridge deck will then be waterproofed and resurfaced to ensure a smooth and safe journey for bridge users.

The six-month scheme follows on from a previous phase of refurbishment work to the first four spans of the bridge carried out in 2011.

Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland's North West Representative said: "We're pleased to begin the £1.5M refurbishment for Cromarty Bridge, which will ensure it continues to withstand the harsh natural environment and make sure it will remain in a safe working condition for years to come.

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"We've met with representatives from The Highland Council, Cromarty Port Authority, the emergency services, Road Haulage Association and other stakeholders, and have taken account of the issues raised in the design and programming of the project.

"We've also taken on board the lessons learned from the previous refurbishment works in 2011 to make sure we can carry out this phase of bridge maintenance as quickly and effectively as possible."

The scheme is the latest investment into the structure by Transport Scotland, who have spent £5.8m on the bride since January 2016.

In the past 18 months this package of improvements included the replacement of the bridge parapets on both sides of the structure, the installation of scour protection measures around six of the bridge piers, as well as advanced electrical works to help facilitate the deck span refurbishment works commencing in August.

Resurfacing was also completed in June across almost the whole length of the bridge, with the remaining sections to be resurfaced following completion of the bridge refurbishment project.

(LM/MH)