Traffic study for Fort William
An assessment of possible short term interventions to improve journey times on the A82 through Fort William is to be carried-out.
The work will help establish if engineering improvements can be made to improve congestion and it will consider the impact of any of these changes on the surrounding roads to make sure that interventions are as effective as possible.
Transport Scotland intends to have the testing completed by early next year with the aim of making any required changes in advance of the 2018 tourist season.
A longer term appraisal of land use and transport options is also to be taken forward by The Highland Council with support from Transport Scotland. Together with the short term traffic study, this will provide an evidence base to make best use of existing infrastructure and support the planned growth of Fort William and the wider area.
Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said:
“We understand the important part that this section of the trunk road network plays in the local economy and we want to do what we can to improve journey times to support local businesses and to help people get around.
“The trunk road assessment, being undertaken this year, will help us establish if there are small interventions such as localised widening or changes to junction arrangements, which can be implemented in the short term on the trunk road in Fort William, to improve traffic flow especially at the busiest times of the year.
“Transport Scotland aim to keep stakeholders up to date through our regular meetings and correspondence with The Highland Council, the Fort William Traffic Congestion Working Group and the A82 Partnership.”
Chair of the Fort William Traffic Congestion Working Group and The A82 Partnership, Ben Thompson, said:
“I am sure residents, businesses and visitors will be delighted to hear of this progress towards addressing the well-known issues of our struggling transport infrastructure. Particularly important is the commitment from Transport Scotland to try have road improvements in place ahead of the 2018 tourist season.
“The longer term appraisal for transport options in Fort William is vital for the West Highland economy. Such improvements have been a goal of the Lochaber community for very many years and I’m encouraged to see the need has been recognised by Transport Scotland in their commitment to work with The Highland Council on the appraisal.”