A preferred route for a road upgrade in Argyll and Bute has been identified, the Scottish Government has announced.

A series of exhibitions will begin today, 30 September to allow the public to comment on the preferred option for the A82 Tarbet to Inverarnan upgrade.

The next phase of the £8m design work, including a detailed ground investigation and topographical survey, will now be progressed.

Transport Minister Derek Mackay said: "Following route option assessment work, we are now able to confirm that the preferred route option will closely follow the existing road. We are now stepping up the work with the next stage of design costing over £8 million 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."

BEAR Scotland will undertake an intensive programme of short term improvements over the next few months.

This will include vegetation and tree canopy clearance, clearance and improvement of the existing drainage system, and the removal of loose stones and rocks from the verge of the existing A82.

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

Details of the public exhibitions are as follows:

• Wednesday, 30th September, 12 noon – 7pm, Three Villages Hall, Argyll and Bute.

• Thursday, 1st October, 12 noon – 7pm, Crianlarich Village Hall, Perthshire.

• Friday, 2nd October, 2pm – 7pm, Kilmore & Oban Parish Church Centre, Argyll.

• Tuesday, 6th October, 12 noon – 7pm, Duncansburgh MacIntosh Church Hall, Inverness-shire.

(LM/CD)