Transport Scotland needs to just get on with it

I have been reading a lot of reports and letters in national and local newspapers about the problems experienced at the Rest and Be Thankful.

I have no doubt that those charged with keeping the trunk road operational and safe for drivers are doing their best in the circumstances.

However, there now seems to be an acceptance in Transport Scotland that a new solution has to be found.

In a letter to the press, George Allan points out that the 20-mile route from Strathlachlan to Colintraive and the eight miles between Ormidale and Tighnabruaich were designed and constructed in 12 or 13 years.

I was a member of the survey and design team on these routes. I was also involved in the construction of 100 miles of the A9 between Perth and Inverness in 10 years.

These civil engineering schemes demonstrate what can be achieved when there is real political will and commitment to prioritise projects.

I realise Transport Scotland has its own procedures for appointing consultants for the design processes and there are detailed environmental impact assessments to be done.

It does, however, seem to me that its programming of the Rest and Be Thankful improvement is completely lacking in ambition.

As a former director of roads and transport in Highland, perhaps I may be permitted to comment on the long-term solution.

I would say if there are no geological features found on the other side of the glen which will cause a repeat of current problems, then the construction of a new road in diversion would cause less disruption to traffic than trying to form landslip shelters or tunnels adjacent to the existing carriageway. The main thing though is for Transport Scotland and their political masters to just get on with it.

Philip Shimmin, Inverness.