The work will provide a local realignment of the B9090 with a new unrestricted bridge crossing over the River Nairn upstream of the existing masonry arch bridge which presently has an 18T weight limit.

When the proposals were approved, the planning report said: “The development will help to safeguard an A-listed structure, the White Bridge, with the subsequent removal of traffic onto the new road. The new development will be set apart from the existing bridge which is to remain, with access restricted to pedestrians and cyclists.”

The report added: “The existing restrictions on the bridge are of public concern and have raised strong feelings in the local community for investment on a replacement bridge.

“This will significantly benefit local businesses and communities in the surrounding area. People will be able to access the trunk road network effectively, making access to and from the city of Inverness and other local interest spots more efficient.”

Works are anticipated to start late August early September with completion during Autumn 2019.