Caol flood protection scheme traffic management in place

As work on the new £11million flood protection scheme at Caol and Lochyside continues,

The Highland Council and contractor RJ

McLeod say they are working hard to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum.

The new 1.2km flood embankment will run along the shores of Loch Linnhe from the Caledonian Canal to the Caol Spit and an 800m flood wall will be built up the side of the River Lochy adjacent to the road, finishing at soldier’s bridge.

Enhanced environmental benefits to the wider community will be included as part of the work with improved access to the towpath at the Caledonian Canal and better walking and cycling routes along the length of the scheme with planting, seating, paths and a play area.

The project is expected to last 22 months and will be constructed in phases.

With around 100,000 tonnes of quarry materials needed onsite, traffic management arrangements will be in place and people should expect additional traffic on the roads.

After carefully considering all aspects of safety, details of the proposed traffic management arrangements are currently being circulated to the community.

Access to the site will be off the A830.

For the works on the shores of Loch Linnhe, a one-way system is proposed for all site traffic with access onto Kilmallie Road over the level crossing at Banavie, turning right on to a small access road that runs parallel to the canal and to the rear of properties on Glenkingie Street.

The plan is for all construction vehicles to leave the site at the Caol spit access onto Kilmallie Road to the junction on the A830 opposite Lochaber High School. Vehicles delivering materials to the flood wall on the river Lochy would enter and leave the site using the junction off the A830. Whilst work on the flood wall along the River Lochy is under way, due to restricted space, traffic lights will be in operation for up to 12 months.

A public liaison officer has been appointed and can be contacted via calfps@rjmcleod.co.uk or by phone 01397 313110.

The public liaison officer and Highland Council staff will keep residents updated regarding traffic management issues, construction progress and will be available to deal with any issues which may arise during the contract.

Caol and Mallaig Councillor and chairman of the council’s Housing and Property Committee Ben Thompson, above, said: ‘I am pleased a public liaison officer will be the dedicated link between everyone working on the project and the community. There is a real commitment to continue to keep everyone living and working close to the site informed.

‘This is a major project to protect local homes so we are asking the public to be patient and follow all signs and directions during the work.’