This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Milestone on Road to the Isles
23/03/2004
The next phase of improvements to the A830 - the Road to the Isles - were announced today.
Transport Minister Nicol Stephen, officially opening a new stretch between Arisaig and Kinsadel, unveiled detailed proposals to complete the upgrading of the road by widening the Arisaig to Loch nan Uamh section at a cost of £14 million.
The improvements replace a single track road with two lane carriageway, reducing journey times for local people and visitors travelling to and from Mallaig for ferries to the Small Isles. They are designed to help businesses to get their goods to market more quickly and reduce road accidents while respecting the outstanding local landscape and wildlife.
The Minister said:
"The improved 'Road to the Isles' will provide local people, businesses and visitors with a first-class road that makes travel safer. The opening of the Arisaig to Kinsadel section marks an important milestone and I am delighted to announce today proposals to complete the upgrade.
"The improvements will especially boost the local tourism, timber and fishing industries. Better transport is a key way we can help communities thrive and tackle depopulation. By investing in road links we will make a real difference to everyday life in the Western Highlands and Small Isles, creating stronger and more prosperous communities.
"We fully appreciate that the Highland countryside is a priceless natural asset. That is why we are making sure in developing these upgrades and opening up the area for more visitors to enjoy, we are also protecting the environment."
The proposals include improvements to three railway bridges to remove height restrictions on the road and a path for pedestrians and cyclists. European funding will be sought for the upgrade allowing construction to start in late 2005.
The A830 links Mallaig and Fort William, and the upgrade of the 7km stretch between Arisaig and Loch nan Uamh is the final section of a series of planned improvements over the 27km length from Mallaig to Lochailort.
The estimated timetable for the upgrade of the section of the A830 from Arisaig to Loch nan Uamh is:
Publication ofDraft RoadOrders- March 23
Public Exhibition - Astley Hall, Arisaig Friday April 2 (10.00am-8.00pm) and Saturday April 3(10.00am-5.00pm)
Publication of Draft Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) - end April
European Regional Development Fund application submitted - June 2005
Contract start on site - October/November 2005
The upgrade of the A830 between Arisaig and Kindsadel was completed at a cost of £13 million. Work commenced in July 2001 and was substantially completed in 2003. It provides 7km of new trunk road together with 1.8km of new side roads.