Fort underpass work to start with HITRANS cash
Fort William’s 2040 vision saw a glimmer of light this week as the town was awarded funding for long-awaited improvements on the town centre underpass.
Highland Council will receive a £100,000 active travel improvement grant from the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS) and phase one of the improvement programme will begin with immediate works at the underpass, which leads from the town centre to the train station.
The stair has been closed for more than six months due to safety issues and the funding will allow priority work to start on Monday April 17.
Lochaber area committee chairperson, Councillor Kate Willis said: “The underpass and stairs is the main pedestrian welcome to Fort William town centre from the transport centre and the improvement works will significantly improve both the entrance and visual appearance, whilst offering a safe and well-lit area for pedestrians to use.
“Active travel across Fort William is improving but census data indicates that approximately 52 per cent of people living within 5km of their workplace are using motorised vehicles to commute. Each improvement to the active travel routes across Fort William will in turn make walking, wheeling or cycling to work an affordable, efficient and reliable choice for those able to make that transition.”
The work will involve the old stairs being fully excavated and renewed with new pre-cast concrete steps and drainage channels, a new slip resistant fibreglass tread on each step and coloured nosing on each step for visibility. New handrails and lighting upgrades will also be installed.
Economy and infrastructure committee chairperson, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “As a board member of HITRANS, I am pleased they have recognised the need for improvements and awarded the active travel improvement grant. This will enable the ‘Fort William 2040’ vision of making active travel across Fort William a more sustainable, healthy, and affordable transport choice.
“The research is clear, for the climate emergency, for people’s health, for household budgets, for the local environment, and the vibrancy of our communities and high streets, we need to encourage people to choose active and sustainable travel modes, wherever possible.
“The council will seek ways to allow us to continue to invest in infrastructure to support the Highland economy.”
The closure of the underpass will be required at times throughout the works. At these times, pedestrians will be diverted from the train station to the Belford Road crossing point.
The work zone will have a temporary scaffold tower constructed to allow a protective cover over the stairs ensuring no weather related issues should stop works.
Phase one is scheduled to last for six weeks and all going to plan should be ready for use early in June.
To find out more information on the Fort William 2040 (FW2040) Masterplan and Delivery Programme for Fort William and Lochaber go to www.highland.gov.uk/ info/178/local_and_statutory_development_plans/1038/ fort_william_2040_fw2040.