The Ullapool linkspan was due to close to vehicular traffic for a period of six weeks from 22nd February to allow the new replacement linkspan to be fitted. However, delays to the Stornoway upgrade, necessary for the new 8,680gt/2014 built Loch Seaforth to make a full service debut on the Stornoway-Ullapool service, means that the closure has now been postponed until 20th April (for a duration of up to 5 weeks) instead of addressing all issues in the winter period.