Inverness Trunk Road Link

The east section will bypass Inshes Roundabout, and accommodate proposals for new development at the West Seafield Retail and Business Park and also a new Inverness Campus, which houses Inverness College UHI's main campus together with "An Lochran" which is jointly occupied by HIE and UHI Executive Office.

At the west end, two options for crossing the River Ness and Caledonian Canal were developed. One involving a high level vertical opening bridge which will allow the majority of canal traffic to pass under without the need for opening. The other involved a bridge over the river and an aqueduct under the canal. Both of these designs are technically complex and were considered in detail along by the key stakeholders involved in the project. Ultimately it was decided that a bridge over the river and a tunnel under the canal were the best option, although more expensive.[2] Following a public consultation, 8 route options were put forward for consideration by Highland Council[3] from which one was chosen,.[4] This route passes through the canal park area of Inverness, and remains highly contentious.[5] An Inverness Courier poll indicated that 85% of residents would choose an alternative route, most popularly one through Torvean Quarry.

This section is expected to be completed in 2021.[6]

In late 2008 the controversial decision by the Scottish Government not to include the full Inverness bypass in its transport plan for the next 20 years was made. The government's Strategic Transport Projects Review did however, include the eastern section of the route, which will see the A9 at Inshes linked to the A96.

But the absence of the TLR's western section, which would include a permanent crossing over the Caledonian Canal and River Ness, sparked dismay among several Highland councillors and business leaders in Inverness who feel the bypass is vital for the city's future economic growth.[7]

• The Inverness West Link, Highland Council
• Proposed TRL route