A82 road

The Scottish Government has revealed its preferred route option for upgrading the ten-mile Tarbet to Inverarnan section of the A82 trunk road.

The preferred route option closely follows the existing stretch of the road with a total length of more than 10.5 miles and includes construction of two viaducts, nine bridges and 25 retaining walls.

Transport minister Derek Mackay said: "We are now stepping up the work with the next stage of design costing over £8m leading to the publication of draft orders for the scheme in 2017.

"In addition, we are determined to enhance the existing route in the interim and that is why we are working to identify and implement a programme of short and medium-term measures, including vegetation and drainage clearance and bend widening where it is possible.

"We are committed to upgrading the A82, which is a vital economic and social lifeline as it connects businesses and communities in the Highlands and Islands with the central belt."

"Coupled with the completed Pulpit Rock improvement and Crianlarich Bypass schemes, already bringing improved road safety and journey time reliability, we are committed to upgrading the A82, which is a vital economic and social lifeline as it connects businesses and communities in the Highlands and Islands with the central belt."

The government has started a series of public exhibitions to let the public see and comment on the preferred route option before the start of the next stage of design work.

Bear Scotland will undertake a programme of short-term improvements covering vegetation and tree canopy clearance, clearance and improvement of the current drainage system, and the removal of loose stones and rocks from the verge of the existing A82 over the next few months.

The government will also investigate the feasibility of additional medium-term interim enhancements such as localised schemes to widen the road at tight bends and further improvements to the drainage system along the route.

The upgrade aims to reduce congestion and improve traffic flows along A82’sTarbet to Inverarnan section, which has an average annual daily total of 3,500 vehicles with flows in the summer peaking at 5,500 vehicles.

Image: An aerial view of the A82 trunk road in Scotland. Photo: courtesy of VisitScotland.