Highland Council Approves TLR Aqueduct Option
Years of debate came to an end at the Highland Council Special Meeting on Thursday 27th September 2007, when the Council decided, by a clear majority of 41-21, to support Option 2 (Bridge over the River Ness and an aqueduct / tunnel passing under the Canal) rather than the Council’s officials’ preference of Option 1 (Bridge over the River Ness and a high level opening - 15 metre - bridge over the Canal).
This recommendation will be submitted to the Scottish Government’s Strategic Transport Projects Review. Transport Scotland is undertaking this review, which is a major study to help shape Scotland’s transport network from 2012 until 2022. The Scottish Government will decide whether the aqueduct/tunnel can go ahead or not, as the cost is far beyond what Highland Council can afford.
TRUNK LINK ROAD
The Trunk Link Road extends from the A96 (trunk road) at the Smithton Roundabout to the A82 at Torvean, and consists of three main sections:
- Eastern section - A96 at Smithton to Inshes
- Middle Section - Inshes to Dores Road Roundabout
- Western Section - Dores Road Roundabout to A82 at Torvean
DETAILS OF OPTION 2:
Bridge over the River Ness and an aqueduct/tunnel passing under Canal
The route starts at the Dores Road roundabout and sweeps across agricultural fields allocated for development. The road rises in embankment to cross the River Ness and then descends below ground level to a roundabout in the vicinity of Whin Park. This roundabout is three metres below existing ground level and four metres below the River Ness flood level. The Option 2 road line between the Dores Road roundabout and the River Ness crossing crosses the river on an alignment which allows the road to tie in with the roundabout at Whin Park.
The road continues to descend from the roundabout at Whin Park and passes under the Canal at a depth of 15 metres below the Canal water level. This excavation depth is required to provide sufficient construction depth and height clearance for traffic using the tunnel/aqueduct.
Although the main aqueduct/tunnel will pass below the Canal, the approach roads will be substantially below ground level for a distance of 900 metres and will be protected by substantial walls, up to 15 metres in height, to prevent the ingress of ground water and potential flooding from the River Ness and surrounding area.
The road then rises up to meet the existing A82 in the vicinity of General Booth Road.
This option also provides a road link between the roundabout at Whin Park and Glenurquhart Road on the east side of the Canal.