A notoriously narrow section of the A82 along the shore of Loch Lomond is to be widened, the Scottish Government has announced. Transport Scotland has confirmed the design of the preferred option for the scheme between Tarbet and Inverarnan will be taken forward as a 7.3m-wide carriageway.
Scotland’s Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf, said: “We’ve looked at the evidence for the A82 and there has been a marked increase in traffic flows, suggesting the need for a wider carriageway on the challenging stretch from Tarbet to Inverarnan.
“Upgrading this part of the trunk road route to a 7.3m carriageway will lead to improved journey times and reliability and will benefit commercial vehicles. Having identified the preferred option, we have been progressing the next stage of design work with a view to preparing Draft Orders for the scheme next year and will continue to engage with locals, road users and other stakeholders as we do so.
“When completed, this upgrade will bring improved road safety and journey time reliability, connecting businesses and communities in the Highlands and Islands with the central belt.”
The Road Haulage Association’s Martin Reid said: “The increased width will not only make this section of the route much easier to negotiate for the heavy vehicles and coaches that are vital to the Scottish economy, but more importantly, it should prove be a contributor to safer access and egress to and from the North West of Scotland.
“The A82 is of the utmost importance to the Scottish economy and this particular section provides a vital link to the North West and the Western Isles.
“The increased road width is a welcome piece of news, particularly to our members who have long campaigned with us for improvements on the A82.”
