Anger over proposed road closures

BUSINESS owners are demanding a rethink over road closures between Connel and Ballachulish which will see motorists sent on a detour of more than 90 miles, adding more than two hours to some travel plans, writes Louise Glen.

Ewan Mathieson, a resident and a business owner, has written in the strongest terms to Transport Scotland’s operating body, saying: ‘I operate a tourist business in the area. My visitors will have significant delays in arriving into Appin and will be denied the ability to tour the area.

‘Appin and North Argyll rely on tourism. I will lose business, income and reputation. BEAR Scotland plans for significant disruption and daytime road closures to my only road north and south are completely unacceptable and need to be stopped.’

Fiona Hutchison, at Kinlochlaich Garden Centre and selfcatering cottages, Appin, said: ‘This will mean a complete loss of income for my business.

‘I rely on passing trade and ... if this goes ahead I will have no income and will have to look at giving my staff less working hours for the whole winter following. We are supposed to have had a letter through the door – we haven’t.’

However, BEAR Scotland says the plans, which are earmarked to start on September 11, are still at consultation stage which is due to close on Monday (August 21).

The major programme of work involves 14 different schemes which will improve the A828, including resurfacing at 10 locations, four kilometres of new running surface, drainage upgrades, safety barrier installations, cycleway improvements, road markings, road stud replacement, installation of bend warning verge markers, and landscaping activities.

A spokeswoman for BEAR Scotland said: ‘Working simultaneously at a number of locations under traffic management most appropriate for the location and type of work creates a much safer environment for teams to work in, as well as allowing the resources available to be deployed with maximum effectiveness to complete a range of schemes in the minimum possible time. Vehicles will be diverted at Ballachulish and Connel via Tyndrum (A82 and A85). The road will be re-opened each evening.

‘Carrying out all activities within the combined project separately and at night would require at least 22 night-time closures and take up to 12 weeks.’

To offer feedback, email: A828consultation@bearscotland.co.uk