A project has been launched to replace four valves in central Inverness, with work expected to begin on 27 August.

Scottish Water will carry out the work on valves beneath the junction of Kenneth Street and Tomnahurich Street. 

The valves have a crucial role in the water network for surrounding areas, enabling Scottish Water teams to minimise disruption for customers when any repair or maintenance work is needed. 

The work will be carried out in two phases, the first of which will take place between Monday 27 August and Friday 31 August when new valves will be installed and connected. 

Traffic lights will be in place to enable single file traffic through the junction from 7am on 27 August to 7am on 31 August to allow the work to be carried out safely. Little Kenneth Street will be closed during this period, with traffic diverted via Ardross Street.  

The second phase of work will see the existing valves and access hatches removed from the centre of the junction. This will be completed between 7am on Saturday 15 September and 7am on Monday 17 September and will see both roads closed at the junction. Suitable diversions will be in place and signposted.  

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Scottish Water project manager, Ailsa Shaw, said: "Road users who regularly pass through the junction of Kenneth Street and Tomnahurich Street will be used to negotiating the existing valves which are currently a prominent feature of the road surface. Our work should ensure a smoother journey through the junction in future and replacement valves which our team can operate safely without the need for major disruption to traffic. 

"We appreciate that the work involves short-term disruption in order to achieve these long-term benefits for customers and road users. With this in mind, the work has been carefully planned in close consultation with the Highland Council and the trunk road authorities. 

"While the main roads will remain open during the initial work in late August, we would encourage drivers to allow extra time for their journeys and to consider alternative routes where they can to reduce delays.  

"The final work to remove the redundant valves and reinstate the road surface has been planned to take place over the weekend to avoid the busiest times. Unfortunately, this work cannot be completed without closing the junction to traffic, but we will highlight the diversions available for trunk road traffic via General Booth Road and Muirton; and via the West Link road and Sir Walter Scott Drive. 

"Our team on site will be working hard to minimise the disruption caused to road users and local residents during both phases of work, but I would like to apologise for any inconvenience that is caused. Once completed, the work will mean both improved security of water supply for our customers locally and reduced risk of major disruption to the road in future."  

(CM/MH)