Preparations for roadworks which will close half of the Kessock Bridge for more than four months got under way yesterday.
The footpath and cycleway next to the northbound carriageway will be closed for four weeks for scaffolding to be installed beneath the bridge deck.
The northbound dual-carriageway was reduced to one lane yesterday.
The north carriageway will also be subject to some restrictions to allow safe delivery of materials for the next phase of a £13.2million scheme.
The refurbishment project involves repairing and resurfacing the entire bridge and is being carried out in two phases.
The first phase, on the northbound carriageway, took place last year and caused lengthy disruption and tailbacks on the road.
The second phase of the upgrade is due to start on February 10 and involves closing the southbound lane for repairs and resurfacing work.
Traffic will be reduced to one lane each way, both on the northbound carriageway, and a 30mph speed limit will be in place.
Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland operating company representative for the north west said: “As a lifeline route which carries the A9 dual carriageway trunk road across the Beauly Firth at Inverness, we are absolutely committed to minimising the disruption when these essential improvements are being made to the Kessock Bridge. The public were extremely patient during phase one of the works and we hope for their continued support as we go into phase two.
“There will be a reduced speed limit of 30mph on the bridge from February 10 to keep both road users and workers safe. This will lead to delays, and as with phase one, motorists will be encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel into the city centre and to consider using public transport, car sharing, cycling or walking, where possible.”
Transport Scotland has arranged additional train services to and from Inverness and Stagecoach will be running additional buses.
Employers are also encouraged to allow staff to adopt flexible working patterns, car pools and working from home.