New £10m Inverness swing bridge fails more often than 88-year-old predecessor

A £10 million swing bridge in Inverness is experiencing faults more frequently than an 88-year-old crossing beside it, according to a Highland councillor. The Torvean Swing Bridge has been closed for two weeks due to a sensor issue, marking another disruption since its 2021 opening.

A Highland councillor has raised concerns that a £10 million swing bridge opened on the Caledonian Canal in Inverness is experiencing mechanical faults at a significantly higher rate than the 1938 crossing operating alongside it. The Torvean Swing Bridge has remained closed to vehicular traffic for two weeks, marking another in a series of disruptions since its completion.

The bridge, which became operational in July 2021 as part of the West Link project, has encountered recurring problems throughout its operational life. Earlier in the summer of 2026, it was shut for approximately five weeks following an oil leak. According to reports from June 2026, the biodegradable oil required for the bridge's hydraulic system was not readily available, contributing to the extended closure.

Councillor Alex Graham, representing Inverness West for the Scottish Liberal Democrats, expressed frustration with the bridge's performance record.

There are problems intermittently with it much more frequently than the adjoining Tomnahurich Bridge which was installed in 1938.

He further noted that

I think it's been a problem from day one. There were issues very shortly after it opened.

Graham suggested that the recurring faults may stem from the complexity of modern mechanical components used in the structure.

Traffic queued on General Booth Road in Inverness near the Tomnahurich and Torvean swing bridges on 18 August. — Traffic queued on General Booth Road in Inverness near the swing bridges on 18 August

What is causing the latest closure?

The current shutdown appears to stem from a sensor malfunction affecting the bridge's operational systems. According to local reporting from 14 August 2026, Highland Council had contacted the equipment supplier to arrange an urgent maintenance visit, though no specific attendance date had been confirmed at that time. The council acknowledged it could not provide a reopening timescale while awaiting the supplier's response.

How do the two bridges operate together?

The Torvean and Tomnahurich swing bridges are positioned on the A82 corridor through Inverness and function as a coordinated pair. The system is designed so that one bridge accommodates road traffic while the other opens to allow vessels passage on the Caledonian Canal. This alternating arrangement means that when either bridge is non-operational, traffic congestion becomes inevitable on the approach roads.

The older Tomnahurich Bridge, installed in 1938, has continued to operate normally throughout the Torvean closure. Its only recent shutdown occurred in 2023 when thermal expansion of its metal structure caused operational issues during a period of warm weather, resulting in a closure lasting approximately one week.

A red and white road sign that reads: "Road closed" and two traffic cones on the road to the swing bridge in Inverness. — Highland Council said it was liaising with a specialist contractor on repairs

What impact has this had on the city?

The timing of the latest closure has compounded traffic difficulties in Inverness during the peak summer tourist season. Angus MacDonald, Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire, described the situation as creating a

nightmare

for traffic flow in the city. He expressed bewilderment at the council's inability to communicate a repair schedule, stating:

It really does need sorting.

Photographs taken on 18 August documented significant vehicle queuing on General Booth Road near the swing bridges, illustrating the congestion resulting from the closure during a busy period for the city.

What is the council doing to resolve the issue?

Highland Council confirmed it was working with a specialist contractor to address the bridge's faults. A council spokesperson stated:

We are continuing to liaise with the specialist contractor on timescales for repairs to be completed and we will provide an update as soon as we can.

However, as of mid-August, the council had not been able to provide a concrete reopening date, pending confirmation from the supplier regarding maintenance scheduling.

The Torvean Swing Bridge was constructed as part of broader road improvements on the western side of Inverness, intended to enhance traffic flow and connectivity in the area. Its persistent operational challenges have instead created ongoing disruptions to the very traffic patterns it was designed to improve.

What happens next?

Highland Council indicated it would release further information regarding repair progress once discussions with the specialist contractor yielded confirmed timescales. As of 14 August 2026, the supplier had not yet confirmed a date for the urgent maintenance visit required to address the sensor issue.

Key Facts:

The Torvean Swing Bridge opened in July 2021 but has experienced recurring faults including an oil leak that caused a five-week closure earlier in summer 2026
The bridge's current two-week closure is attributed to a sensor malfunction requiring specialist contractor intervention
The adjacent Tomnahurich Bridge, operational since 1938, has experienced significantly fewer disruptions, with only a one-week closure in 2023 due to thermal expansion
The two bridges operate on an alternating system where one accommodates road traffic while the other opens for canal vessels, meaning either closure creates traffic congestion on the A82
Highland Council has not provided a confirmed reopening date pending supplier confirmation of maintenance scheduling