The project is required to replace the aged single track wrought iron plate girder bridge over the River Naver South of Bettyhill. This road forms part of the North Coast 500 route.

The new 65m long prestressed concrete bridge will be constructed immediately upstream of the existing bridge and includes realignment of the approach roads. The scheme will in total provide 450m of new road upgraded to single carriageway.

Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “The bridge carries the A836 Tongue to Thurso road over the River Naver, near Bettyhill and is a vital transport link for not only the local community and businesses but also the many businesses who visit to the area.

“This is a major north coast infrastructure project, and is a significant part of our 6,700km Highland road network. This demonstrates our commitment to improving the infrastructure in rural areas of Highland and I am delighted we are able to announce the contract has been awarded to enable the work to begin.”

The new bridge is expected to be complete in the Autumn of next year to allow demolition and removal of the existing bridge structure in Winter 25/26. In the interest of public safety traffic control using traffic lights will be required during most of the works.