The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Roads: Transport boss announces study, saying he shares campaigners’ aims Hurdle crossed in four-year fight for busy road crossings
A four-year battle to instal pedestrian crossings at danger points on a busy Lochaber road took a step forward this week.
Long-suffering residents of Corpach and Banavie struggle daily to cross the A830 – which runs from Fort William to Mallaig – because of the amount of traffic using the road and the lack of safe crossing points.
But a transport boss told a meeting of Kilmallie Community Council last night: “I want what you want,” and revealed a feasibility study will start shortly, concentrating on two crossing danger points at Banavie swing bridge and the Corpach shops.
David Devine, area manager for Transport Scotland, said: “We have decided a study should take place to determine where controlled pedestrian crossings should be put in. The pros and cons of where people want to cross have to be weighed up.
“Bear Scotland will be carrying out this study as there is a need for these crossings at Banavie swing bridge and the shops at Corpach. The study will show whether crossings can be physically installed where people want them.
“Road safety must come first, second and last and we will do our best to work hand-in-glove with the local community. There are lots of plates to spin in the air, but the first hurdle has been crossed.”
Concerns were raised at the meeting about cars parked in the layby opposite the Corpach Co-op and the narrowness of the island in the middle of the carriageway.
Community council chairwoman, Christine Hutchison, said: “It’s just not safe to stand on this island especially for people with prams or in wheelchairs. They have to be sideways on. People also have to go in front or behind the parked cars to cross.”
Arthur Cowie, of the Lochaber Disability Access Panel, added: “It’s important that the islands in the road are up to standard, especially for wheelchair users. A pedestrian crossing at the railway station should also be included as the new Belford Hospital will be in Kilmallie.”
Mr Devine said: “Bear will be consulting key stakeholders, such as the community council, thepolice, Scottish Canals as well as retailers as they consider what is feasible. Money is in the budget for this study, hopefully completed by the summer.”
Local campaigner Jan MacLugash added: “I feel heartened now it is being acknowledged that there is a problem crossing this road, particularly for the less able, like my daughter, Tina, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. I’m glad the community will be involved.”