This week has seen construction begin on the new Torvean Bridge, with deck components arriving at the site from fabricators in Darlington.

With the continuation of the surfacing works on the A82 this week, Highland Council said this particular element of the work will be complete early next week.

Landscaping works have also continued this week, including the building of new walls and ongoing planting on the new roundabout. Contractors RJ McLeod said the A82 underpass is also progressing well.

During the second phase in November last year the canal was closed to allow the installation of coffer dams at the extents of the bridge and wharf. Pipelines and pumps were also installed for the over-pumping operation.

Engineers had to keep the canal downstream topped up, which required 750 litres a second being pumped between the upstream and downstream dams.

The West Link project has significantly enhanced accessibility since the completion of Phase 1 and Highland Council is looking forward to all the benefits that Stage 2 will bring for local residents, businesses and visitors to the City of Inverness.

Chair of the economy and infrastructure committee, Cllr Trish Robertson, said: “We are delighted to see the excellent progress being made on Stage 2 of the West Link project, which will be a game changer for commuters in Inverness.

“It is encouraging to see progress being maintained despite the challenges we have faced this year due to the coronavirus pandemic and the halting of works earlier in the year.”

She added: “I am sure everyone who lives in or visits Inverness will be delighted by the way this new bypass enhances the road user experience for motorists, as well as cyclists and pedestrians, when we see the work completed next summer.

“The West Link project is the gateway to the Highlands and will help to alleviate traffic congestion within Inverness city centre.”