Popular Aviemore shortcut reopens after improvements
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A pedestrian tunnel which provides a shortcut to the new £20m Badenoch and Strathspey Community Hospital from one of the main residential areas of Aviemore has reopened.
The tunnel connects the Burnside Road area with Dalfaber and had been closed for improvements and because of construction work on the big money project.
Following yesterday's partial opening of the new hospital, the underpass reopened to the public too. It cuts underneath the main Highland rail line.
An NHS Highland spokesperson said: "The contract for hospital construction improved the pavement network, surfacing, lighting and fencing to Network Rail standards up to the boundary of the site purchased by NHS Highland.
"NHS Highland, as part of the planning consent, has contributed towards Active Aviemore project for improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in the village.
"This work will be planned and undertaken by other public sector partners in due course."
It is understood that the work on the other side of the underpass is being led by Cairngorms National Park Authority while road improvements will be carried out by Highland Council using the planning contribution from the health authority.
The tunnel itself is owned and managed by Network Rail who have responsibility for surfacing underneath the tunnel.
It has been closed for the duration of the hospital works.
The reopening has been welcomed on local social media.
Roddy Stevens posted: "Great...but they have not tidied up the other side and under the tunnel. Watch out for broken glass."
John Burns said: "They've done a nice job on that side, no more muddy bog path!"
Linda Penney wrote: "Great news. Missed this tunnel."
