Proposed A82 Closures

Highland Councillors from Lochaber met with representatives of both Transport Scotland and Scotland Transerv last week to discuss the overnight road closures proposed to take place at two points on Achintore Road, within the speed restrictions, in mid-September, from 8pm to 6am, for two to three weeks. 

Councillors argued strongly that overnight closures to this extent would have a very damaging effect on the local economy, not just in terms of tourism, but for other local firms who depend on this route being open during these hours and for shift workers etc.   The impact on commercial activity in the whole of west and north west of Scotland was highlighted along with potential significant effects on the Royal National Mod.
 

While no firm decision has been made, Transport Scotland has indicated that delaying this essential work until the end of October could pose a major technical difficulty – possible low temperatures are a particular concern.  Similarly, delaying the start of the closure until 10pm is deemed impractical because the works involve the initial removal of a number of layers of surfacing which is a noisy operation and discussions are taking place with the Council’s Environmental Health officers as to any restrictions which may be placed on these works.   

Transport Scotland is currently taking the view that Scotland Transerv should now proceed to the next stage of consultation, with the road closures planned to begin on the evening of 27 September at 9pm through to 6.30am. The overnight closures will apply from Sunday evenings and will finish on Friday mornings, with no closures on either Friday or Saturday nights.

It is intended that the Agencies will hold two public information sessions in the area, to let all those who may be affected by proposals to know the reasons for the work and the procedures to be put in place.

Local Councillors remain extremely concerned about this level of disruption to the A82, given it is the essential traffic artery for the west and north west of Scotland.  They also hope that Transport Scotland and Scotland Transerv can be persuaded to listen further to their arguments and amend their proposals in line with the preferred option ie closures beginning on 26 October with overnight closures from 10pm to 6am.  Scotland Transerv has now been asked to undertake an analysis of the effects of delaying the start of works until the end of October as requested by the Council.

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