UPDATE: Scottish Water says Inverness city centre sinkhole saga set to extend into the weekend
Emergency repairs to a sinkhole that closed a busy Inverness city centre street are set to continue into the weekend.
Scottish Water had previously indicated that it expected the job to be completed by tomorrow (Friday).
Specialist contractors have been busy repairing sections of Bridge Street near Inverness Town House, with High Street and Castle Street also closed to traffic.
The problem first emerged on Tuesday evening when a sewer collapsed and the sinkhole began to appear.
Scottish Water initially explained that repairs had been complicated and prolonged by the number of utility lines under road in that area, as well as by the need for specific materials.
The publicly owned water firm now believes the reinstatement of the road will not be completed until Saturday morning (August 17).
It is understood the repair has now entailed multiple, complex excavations to resolve the issue with the sewer.
Contractors have advised that because of the type of road and volume of traffic that will use it, the relaid tar must be given longer to set to avoid damage to the surface.
A Scottish Water spokesman said: “We apologise for the inconvenience this has caused.
“This has been an extremely complex repair, and we have been working with our contractors to complete these works as quickly as possible under the circumstances.
“We would like to thank everyone affected for their continued patience and understanding.”
