Contractors are being sought to be involved in one of Inverness’s most controversial projects – the city’s West Link Road.
Highland Council has issued a call for companies interested in working on the first phase multimillion-pound scheme.
Two separate contracts are now available – carrying out preparatory work in the Bught area and building the road and one of two bridges required.
The main £22.5million contract to build the road, expected to start in March next year, will mean the closure of Bught Road for several months.
According to documents lodged online, the first stage will take the road from Holm Roundabout on Dores Road across to Glenurquhart Road.
It will comprise 1.4miles of single carriageway, four roundabouts, a three span bridge over the River Ness, and two underpasses with drainage.
Construction of a new artificial rugby pitch, two grass pitches and a two storey clubhouse as part of the proposals for enhanced sports facilities.
But before that, Highland Council is seeking contractors to carry out preliminary works ahead of the start of road construction.
The preliminary project will also require the closure of Bught Road for several weeks to allow public services to be diverted.
These will include water, electricity and phone lines.
The north end of the road beside the River Ness, from Glenurquhart Road-Bught Lane, will be closed, with further traffic management anticipated on the A82 Inverness-Fort William, General Booth Road, Bught Road and Bught Drive.
The works will take place at four separate locations – three to the north and one to the south of the River Ness.
Scottish Water has commissioned Morrison Construction to divert a water main and this scheme will be carried out at the same time.
The project will involve tree clearance around the boundaries of the rugby pitches at the Bught area, as well as fencing works.
The estimated value of the contract is £450,000.
And there is also the chance to bid to build for a £4.86million contract to build the 18 hole Torvean Golf Course and carry out preparation works for housing in the area.
The clubhouse and access roads will be included in a separate contract in 2017.